Plasmodium falciparum in different age groups in Karachi-Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by different species of Plasmodium showing symptoms of high fever, chill, flu like condition, headache and anemia, spread by the transfer of pathogens by female Anopheles mosquitoes, transfusions of blood and blood products. There are four species of Plasmodium, such as Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malaria, but in Pakistan there is no any evidence of last two species except P. falciparum and P. vivax. The severity of the diseases not only depends on the species of Plasmodium but also on age, sex, immunity, nutritional values, general health and socio-economic condition whereas P. falciparum malaria or cerebral malaria is dangerous among four Plasmodium species because it increase the mortality rates throughout the world. Methods: The study area was located in Karachi region, on the coast of Arabian Sea, which based on different districts including district South, East, West, Central and Malir. The Performa was provided and filled at the time of survey. Each house was visited once a week and participants having high temperature and history with severe headache and chill were thoroughly examined and blood smear was taken. Thick and thin blood smears were examined and the thin blood smears were fixed in 100% methanol and stained in 2% Giemsa. Different stages of Plasmodium species especially P. falciparum and P. vivax were investigated under the oil immersion and the number of parasites/200 white blood cells (WBCs) were counted. Results: Total 1400 people were examined between the age of 2-12 years and 1762 for above 12 years during 2002 to 2004, in which 326 and 164 were found infected with P. falciparum respectively. In 2002 infection were recorded (32.7%) and (6.3%), in 2003 (20.9%) and (9.5%), while during 2004 infection were recorded (18.1%) and (11.6%). in age 2-12 years and above 12 years likewise. Conclusion: Early detection of the parasite on thick and thin films may help to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with falciparum malaria, it is also concluded that patients between the ages of 2-12 years are more infected than those above 12 years.