Prevalence of Malaria in Patients Attending the General Hospital Makarfi, Makarfi Kaduna – State, North-Western Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is a high endemic country for malaria. Its large population, diverse weather conditions and cultures make it a bit difficult implementing the same malaria control measures throughout the country. Prevalence studies are therefore essential for better understanding and implementation of intervention programs. This study determined some malariometric parameters such as malaria prevalence, transmission based on age and gender, parasite density, fever and anaemia in patients attending General Hospital Makarfi, during the malaria transmission season. All participants were screened microscopically for malaria and classified into 3 groups: under 5 years, 5 – 15 years and above 15. A total of 1173 participants were screened out of which 419 (35.7%) were positive. The geometric mean parasite density was 15,108 parasite/µL of blood. Children aged 5 – 15 years had a statistically significant higher infection rate compared to the other groups. Males were more prone to malaria than females. Presence of parasitaemia, fever or anaemia did not correlate with the presence of malaria. Some of the positive patients had high parasite densities and yet asymptomatic. More malariometric surveys are needed in Nigeria in order to adopt control efforts that best suit rural areas and smaller communities especially during peak malaria transmission season.