Abstract
Malaria caused by Plasmodium species is often observed in areas where malaria is endemic. Malaria prevalence in metropolitan Abeokuta of Ogun State, Nigeria was studied between October, 2012 and January 2013. Oral interviews were used to get personal data of participants. Blood samples were obtained from 384 consented participants from the seven primary health centers. Blood film examination using Giemsa staining techniques was used to detect malaria parasites in the blood. From the 384 participants examined 273 (71.1%) were positive with malaria parasites. Species detected included Plasmodium falciparum (95.6%), Plasmodium malariae (3.3%), P. ovale (0.7%) and P. vivax (0.4%). The age-group 1-11 years had the highest malaria prevalence 94 (81%) while 51-60 had the least 6(54.5%). The malaria prevalence in relation to age was significant (p=0.011, p 0.05). Malaria prevalence was significantly higher among those with no formal education 80 (81.6%) and least among post-secondary educational. Prevalence among occupational groups showed significant difference, where the unemployed group were more infected and the retiree group had the least infection (p=0.014, p<0.05). The singles (56.4%) were more infected than the married (43.6%). The prevalence in relation to age was significant (p=0.000, p<0.05). The study has revealed that malaria disease can affect all age groups and both males and females’ sexes irrespective of their educational and occupational cadre. Public enlightenment efforts need to be intensified towards the prevention of malaria.
Highlights
Malaria parasites cause a life-threatening protozoan disease called malaria
Out of the 384 persons examined for malaria parasite, 273 were positive, giving a prevalence of 71.1%
Selection of Participants Consents were given by the Chairmen and Medical Health Officers of the Local Government Areas
Summary
Malaria parasites cause a life-threatening protozoan disease called malaria This disease has been a plague to the human race for over 50,000 years and may have been a human pathogen for the entire history of the species [1]. It is the most important of all the tropical diseases in terms of morbidity and mortality [2]. Each year, it causes diseases in approximately 650 million people and kills between one and three million people, most of whom are young children and pregnant women, non-immune travellers, refugees of labor forces entering into endemic areas in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Americas [3]. According to Jimoh et al [7], about 12% of gross domestic product is lost to malaria in Nigeria
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