Abstract
Background: Malaria is caused by one of five currently known Plasmodium parasite species causing disease in humans. While modelling has provided information of the vector, the same is not entirely the case for the parasite. The World Malaria reports of 2014 to 2016 reported 100% of confirmed cases from Nigeria being due to Plasmodium falciparum. Generally, about 98% of cases of uncomplicated malaria in most regions surveyed in Nigeria recently is due to P. falciparum, with the remainder being due to P. malariae. This study aimed to determine the proportions of Plasmodium parasites causing uncomplicated malaria in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, north-western Nigeria. Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted during the rainy season and dry season in north-western Nigeria. The area has a 'local steppe' climate and Sudanian Savannah vegetation. Sampling was via multistage cluster sampling. Selected participants were examined for pallor, palpable splenomegaly and signs of complicated malaria. Blood samples were also taken for rapid diagnosis of malaria and thick and thin films to identify parasitaemia and the parasite species. Participants found to have malaria were treated with Artemether/Lumefantrine and those with complicated malaria were referred to the nearest hospital. Results: We found a parasite prevalence of 34.8% overall, which was higher in the rainy season (49.3%) than in the dry season (20.2%). There was monoparasitaemia of Plasmodium falciparum throughout the study area, irrespective of the clinical status of the participant. Mapping of the parasite was extended throughout the Local Government Area and the State. Conclusions: Despite the intermediate endemicity in the area. P. falciparum monoparasitaemia affirms theories of disappearance of other parasite species, either due to faltering control of P. falciparum or more efficient control of other species.
Highlights
Malaria is caused by one of five currently known Plasmodium species causing diseases in humans
This figure likely over-estimates the proportion of cases as P. falciparum is responsible for most severe cases of malaria; these are the cases most commonly reported alongside confirmed cases of malaria, which are tracked by passive surveillance in Nigeria
There were studies performed in the past in Sokoto, they are limited in comparison to the present study by virtue of having been conducted in a different age group, or hospital in lieu of community setting and the seasons in which these studies were conducted
Summary
Malaria is caused by one of five currently known Plasmodium species causing diseases in humans These are P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. It is generally thought to account for about 98% of all malaria cases, with P. malariae accounting for the rest, often as a co-infection with P. falciparum[4] This figure likely over-estimates the proportion of cases as P. falciparum is responsible for most severe cases of malaria; these are the cases most commonly reported alongside confirmed cases of malaria, which are tracked by passive surveillance in Nigeria. It may be because of limited expertise in identifying other species of Plasmodium. Mapping of the parasite was extended throughout the Local version 2
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