Thick Blood Films Research Articles

Choice of tools for routine malaria diagnosis among diagnostic Centres in Urban settings of Anambra State, Nigeria.

As malaria elimination efforts continue to show promise, the diagnostic services require constant review to ensure effective treatment. This study was aimed at determining the choice of tools for routine malaria diagnosis in Anambra State. The research was a cross sectional study carried out in 2019 and 2021, using the total population sampling technique to enrol diagnostic centres. Data were collected using pretested questionnaire, and analysed using Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and Chi-square test at a 5% significance level. Microscopy and RDT usage were 73.6% and 68.1% respectively, with 41.8% overlap (p > 0.05). Overall RDT usage was higher, 69.7% than Microscopy usage with 63.6% in Hospital-based Laboratories (p > 0.05). Overall Microscopy usage, ranging from 72.5% to 80.0% was higher than RDT in Private Laboratories, Government-owned Laboratories and Private-owned Laboratories (p > 0.05). SD-Bioline® (38.7%) and Carestat® (35.5%) were the most commonly used RDTs (p < 0.05). Overall usage of thick and thin blood films were: 74.6% and 37.3% respectively, with 11.9% overlap (p < 0.05). Giemsa stain had higher, 78.0% usage in preparing thick blood films than Field stain with 22.0 % (p < 0.05). Usage of Giemsa, Leishman and Field’s stain for thin blood film were: 64.0%, 20.0% and 16.0% respectively (p < 0.05). All the diagnostic centres (100%) report positive and negative results as ‘seen’ and ‘not seen’; with 3.0% of them identifying Plasmodium species while 97.0% report as ‘malaria parasite’ (p < 0.05). Regarding intensity, 1.5% of the diagnostic centres use ‘parasite count / μl of blood’ while 98.5% adopted ‘plus system’ (p < 0.05). Only Microscopy and RDT are used for routine diagnosis of malaria in the study area. However, not all the Microscopy components are used fully and according to standard. Reasons for the choice of tool / their components were given.

Sero-prevalence of syphilis and assessment of haemoparasites among prospective blood donors at a tertiary hospital in Calabar, Southern Nigeria.

The prevalence of haemoparasites among blood donors in the studied area has not been previously documented. This study determined the prevalence of syphilis and haemoparasitic infections among blood donors in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 200 consenting blood donors. Samples were processed using the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) screening technique for the detection of Treponema pallidum antibodies. Screening for microfilaria was conducted using Knott's concentration technique. Thick and thin blood films stained with 3% Giemsa solution were examined to confirm the presence of malaria parasites. All the 200 blood donors harboured trophozoites of Plasmodium falciparum, with low parasite counts per millilitre of blood. One hundred and thirteen (56.5%) blood donors had microfilaria Loa. 21(10.5%) blood donors were positive for antibodies homologous to T. pallidum antigens. Mixed infections of P. falciparum + Microfilaria; P. falciparum + Microfilaria + T. pallidum and Microfilaria + T. pallidum occurred at the prevalence rates of 50%, 16.5% and 4%, respectively. The prevalence of haemoparasites was higher among male blood donors than in their female counterparts. The most prevalent infection based on the frequency of blood donation was the malaria parasite (45.5%). Among the first-time blood donors, the most prevalent infections were malaria (54.5%) and Loa loa (24.5%). This study has shown a significantly (p < 0.05) high prevalence of malaria parasite and Loa loa infection in the studied group, it also showed malaria parasite and Loa loa as the major haemoparasites found among blood donors in the health institution studied.

Serum cytokine profile of pregnant women with malaria, intestinal helminths and HIV infections in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Malaria, helminthiasis and HIV are widespread in developing countries taking a heavy toll on pregnant women. Due to similar environmental and human factors of transmission, they co-exist. The epidemiology and pathology of these diseases have been extensively studied but data on serum cytokine profile changes which is crucial in pregnancy is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the co-infections and their impact on peripheral blood cytokines. Blood and stool samples were collected from recruited 18-45-year-old pregnant women in different trimesters who were apparently healthy with no obvious complications in pregnancy. Pretested questionnaires were administered for personal and socio-demographic details. Malaria parasitemia in Giemsa-stained thick blood films was examined microscopically. Stool samples were screened for helminths using Kato-Katz method. Cytokine levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13 and IL-17 in 121 serum samples were determined using ELISA. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test at α0.05. Relative to the single infections, there were significant reductions in IFN-γ and IL-13 in second and third trimesters respectively in those with Plasmodium and helminth co-infection. IFN-γ and IL-17 were elevated while IL-1α and IL-12p70 were reduced in co-infection of helminths and HIV. Co-infection of Plasmodium and HIV in second and third trimesters showed significant elevations in IL-1α, IL-10 and IL-17 while TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-12p70 were significantly reduced. HIV in pregnancy and its co-infection with Plasmodium resulted in significant distortions in the cytokine profile. However, helminth and its co-infection with Plasmodium or HIV produced less changes in the cytokine profile.

Serum copper, zinc, and copper − zinc ratio in children with malaria

Abstract Background: Nutrition is not only vital to reducing the risk of individual's susceptibility to malaria infection but enhances the prevention and treatment of disease. Nutrition can also modify the course of malaria infection, especially among children. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of copper, zinc, and copper − zinc ratio in children with malaria infection and correlate same with parasite density. Setting and Design: A cross-sectional study of malaria-infected children randomly recruited from two secondary health institutions in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 200 malaria-infected children (age range 0.5–11 years, 113 (56.3%) males and 87 (43.7%) females were recruited in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic data. Blood sample was collected from each of the participants and malaria parasite density was determined using thick blood film. Serum zinc and copper were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical Analysis Used: The categorical and continuous data were compared using the Chi-square, unpaired Student's-test, and analysis of variance, respectively. Results: Serum copper was significantly higher among malaria-infected children than nonmalaria infected children, while zinc was significantly lower in malaria-infected subjects than controls. The copper/zinc ratio was significantly higher in malaria infected than nonmalaria infected children. Serum copper and copper/zinc ratio correlated positively while zinc correlated negatively with malaria parasite density. Conclusion: The observed significantly higher copper and copper/zinc ratio and lower zinc level may indicate oxidative stress, inflammation, and lower immune status in malaria infection.

Rationalization of the Laboratory Diagnosis for Good Management of Malaria: Lessons from Transitional Methods

Introduction Malaria is an endemic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. In clinical practice, the main concern is the overdiagnosis of malaria leading to inappropriate drug prescription without laboratory confirmation. Objective This study aimed to evaluate clinical examination reliability compared with translational laboratory methods of malaria diagnosis. Methods The study was conducted in Goundi Hospital among hospitalized patients over a seven-month period. Patients were interviewed, and malaria tests done included the Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood smears. Diagnostic accuracy was analysed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Results Among 1,874 participants, 674 (35.96%) patients had positive Giemsa-stained thick blood films. The rate of positivity is higher for patients under 5 years of age. The parasite densities were between 160 and 84.000 parasites/μL. The threshold pyrogen of the parasitic density was around 10.000 parasites/μL for patients between 0 and 11 months of age, between 1 and 4 years of age, and between 5 and 14 years of age. This threshold was lower for patients over 15 years of age. The study reported some issues in the findings: 60.88% (607/997) cases of fever without positivity of the blood thick smear and 40.13% (284/674) cases of positivity of the thick drop without fever. The positive predictive value of malaria was between 80 and 85% for patients under 5 years of age. This value is lower for patients between 5 and 14 years of age and patients over 15 years of age. Conclusion A presumptive diagnosis of malaria should be confirmed by the laboratory in all suspected cases in all possible scenarios. Every parasitemia should be followed by the calculation of parasitic density. However, for the children under 5 years of age in areas of high transmission, the presumptive diagnosis of malaria in certain circumstances could be considered.

Validation of automated malaria parasite diagnostic machines based on first principle: A pre-requisite for acceptable results and treatment monitoring in resource limited settings

Background: Following the very recent introduction of automated malaria parasite diagnostic machines; the need to validate these high technology machines based on the first principle protocol in malaria parasite density determination for acceptable results and treatment monitoring cannot be over-emphasized. The aim of this review is to update Medical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians, and researchers alike on the first principle in the diagnosis of malaria using Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films and to build their capacity on how to validate any automated malaria parasite diagnostic machine. Methods: The first principle protocol in malaria parasite density determination was used. With 8 µL of blood spread within 18 mm diameter of circle (thick film), the volume of blood in one thick film field (0.002 µL) is obtained; which when multiplied by a factor (500) gives 1 µL. The number of parasites seen per 100 thick film fields or average number per each thick film field multiplied by 500 gives the number of parasites / µL of blood. Results: Malaria parasites counts of 5 – 50 parasites (1+), 50 – 500 parasites (2+), 500 – 5000 parasites (3+), and (4+) > 5000 parasites / µL of blood, and with the results obtained from the automated machine which when entered into a 2 x 2 table reveal the performance evaluation of automated machine. Conclusion: With several results obtained, any automated malaria diagnostic machine can be validated for its ability to detect disease (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values). Commencement of the use of automated malaria parasites diagnostic machines in parasitology laboratory should not lead to discontinuity in the use of thick and thin blood films in malaria diagnosis as it remains the gold standard in resource limited settings.

Prevalence of Malaria and Associated Factors among Malaria-Suspected Patients Attending Hamusit Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Malaria is one of the major public health problems in developing countries like Ethiopia. Despite efforts to reduce the mortality and morbidity, the disease is still a prominent health problem in Ethiopia. This study, therefore, was undertaken to assess the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among symptomatic patients in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020 among 210 febrile patients attending Hamusit Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and factors perceived to be associated with Plasmodium infection. Questionnaire data was collected through face to face interview. Thin and thick blood films were prepared from capillary blood buffy coat samples. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software version 20. Results Out of 210 malaria-suspected participants, 61 (29.0%) were confirmed to be infected by Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax monoinfections were detected in 41 (19.5%) and 10 (4.8%) participants, respectively. Mixed infection was detected in 10 (4.8%) participants. Female participants (AOR = 2.261; 95% CI: 1.118-4.571; P = 0.023) and those having family members with history of malaria (AOR =2.261; 95% CI: 1.264-5.340; P = 0.009) had higher odds of acquiring Plasmodium infection as compared to their counterparts. Using insecticide-treated bed net and draining stagnant water were the most commonly mentioned malaria prevention measures reported by 71.9% and 8.1% of the respondents, respectively. Conclusion Malaria contributes significantly for febrile illnesses in the study area. Therefore, community mobilization should be strengthen in order to improve implementation of malaria control activities and, hence, reducing the prevalence.

British Society for Haematology guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of malaria.

AbstractThe laboratory diagnosis of malaria depends on skilled examination of well‐stained thick and thin blood films. Rapid diagnostic tests are a useful supplement and the use of nucleic acid‐based testing in diagnostic laboratories should also be considered. These British Society for Haematology guidelines update the 2003 guidelines for malaria diagnosis. Training, quality control, incidental diagnosis, differential diagnosis and reference laboratory referral are considered.

Congenital cerebral malaria: a masquerader in a neonate

BackgroundCongenital malaria, which is caused by vertical transmission of malaria parasites, is a potentially fatal condition. Despite Africa’s high malaria burden, congenital malaria is not routinely screened for, and thus may go undiagnosed. Malaria, if not treated promptly, can quickly progress to severe forms and result in death. Severe congenital malaria is believed to be uncommon in neonates due to maternal antibodies, fetal haemoglobin, and the placenta’s sieving effect. The majority of reported cases were classified as having severe anaemia. Following a thorough review of the literature, only one case of congenital cerebral malaria (CCM) has been reported, and it was misdiagnosed.Case presentationA 5-day-old Nigerian neonate born to an apparently healthy mother initially displayed characteristics consistent with neonatal sepsis and severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. He quickly developed characteristics consistent with meningitis. Surprisingly, the peripheral blood film revealed evidence of malaria parasites, which was immediately confirmed by Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood film microscopy for malaria. The patient was diagnosed with congenital cerebral malaria. The medication was modified to parenteral artesunate followed by oral artemisinin combination therapy. The neonate recovered fully and had no neurological deficits on follow up.ConclusionBecause CCM and infant meningitis have similar clinical presentations, CCM could be misdiagnosed and lead to death if there isn’t a high index of suspicion.

Prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasitic infections in Zebu cattle slaughtered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

The prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases in Zebu Cattle (Bos taurus indicus) ready for slaughter in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State were investigated. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 200 presumably healthy Zebu cattle using 10ml hypodermal syringe into well- labelled Ethylene Diamine Tetra acetic (EDTA) bottles. Thin and thick blood films were prepared for microscopy. Haematological parameters were determined using the micro haematocrit method. Out of the 200 Zebu cattle examined, 125 (62.5%) were infected. More female75 (75%) were infected than male 50 (50%). The parasites identified were Anaplasma marginale (57.5%), Bebasia bovis (35.8%) and Theileria parva (6.7%). There was a significant reduction (P > 0.05) in the level of PCV (20.53±0.70), Hb (8.60±0.30) and RBC (8.00±0.6) in infected cattle compared to the reference range. The high prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasites in zebu cattle in the study area could be reduced through proper animal management practice, health orientation of herders, good sanitary habit and proper treatment of infected cattle.

Investigation of the Efficacy of Home-Based Oral Chloroquine Treatment among Under-Five Children with <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Malaria in Some Parts of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Nigeria is currently a malaria endemic country with an estimated 76% of her population at risk of contracting malaria [1]. According to a study in Nigeria, the first line of action mothers took when their children under 5 years have malaria showed that over 50% of them used non-prescription drugs they have at home or bought from pharmacy stores. And 60% of the most commonly used drugs for malaria treatment were chloroquine [2]. Many recent studies have demonstrated re-emergence of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum, suggesting a possible role in future malaria control [3]. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of home-based oral chloroquine treatment among children under 5 years with Plasmodium falciparum malaria attending Jos University Teaching Hospital and OLA Hospital in Jos Metropolis. Method: This is a cross-sectional study of 93 malaria and non-malaria children. Malaria diagnosis was carried out using microscopical examination of Leishman’s stained thick and thin blood films, P. falciparum parasitemia was assessed by standard microscopy techniques and complete blood count was done using Beckman Coulter Analyzer. Results: The body temperature on admission was significantly lower (p ˚C ± 0.07˚C) than in the three malaria groups. The mean body temperature of chloroquine treated children with malaria was significantly lower (p Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia and degree of anemia in children under 5 years with Plasmodium falciparum in Jos Metropolis.

Evaluation of an improved Giemsa staining technique for blood borne parasite in thick and thin blood film from dogs

Many a times the use of rapid diagnostic tests for blood borne parasites like trypanosomiasis and Babesiosis is increasingly being used, but the gold standard for its detection is still the use of microscopy both as reference and confirmatory diagnosis. To determine the effectiveness of the adjusted stock giemsa staining technique over the conventional methods. Venous Blood samples were collected from 10 dogs in EDTA and then used for the simultaneous preparation of two thin and thick smear slides, one stained according to Giemsa 1:20 dilution for 30 mins while the other was stained using the Stock Solution for 30seconds the diluted with buffered saline for 20seconds and rinsed. Fixation of the thin smear was done in a covered staining jar containing anhydrous methanol for 1 to 2 min, after which the slides were air-dried. From the result obtained from 10 dogs blood samples gotten from the veterinary clinic, the adjusted giemsa staining technique showed a positive differentiation when compared to the 1:20 dilution, a total of 7 blood samples tested positive for blood borne parasites, Trypanosoma evansi, Babesiosis cani and Heart worm. The highest percentage occurrence was T.evansi (40%), Babesiosis cani(20%) and Heart worm (10%).The adjusted Giemsa staining technique serves as a fast, easy and less complex alternative to the 1:20 dilution, where the solution has to be diluted from the stock solution and then stained, although the only disadvantage to this technique would be easy contamination of the stock solution, but the advantages here is that it saves time, quicker result output and better differentiation microscopically.

Antiplasmodial Activities of Some Locally Prepared Herbs Against Plasmodium falciparum Obtained from Asymptomatic School Children in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The efficacy of current or any intended antimalarial can only be resolute by cultivation and susceptibility studies. The aim of this research was to cultivate Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and comparing the antiplasmodial effects of standard antimalarial medications including herbaceous preparation. Asymptomatic pupils attending some schools in Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria were recruited into this research and blood samples were collected from them. Microscopy was done after thin and thick blood films were prepared and stained. The antiplasmodial activities of antimalarial drugs as well as herbal preparation were determined after the successful culturing of red blood cells in the Jatropha curcas medium.The phytochemical constituents of the herbs that made up the concoction were determined. The incidence of asymptomatic Plasmodium infection amongst school kids was 17.5%. There was no statistical association of location, gender and age with the obtained prevalence. Presence of alkaloids was observed in every plant screened while the same was also observed for tannins except in Enantia chloranta.Steroids and phlobatanins were observed in Citrus aurantifolia while there was presence of saponins in all the plant extracts except Cymbopogbon citratus. All the plants except Enantia chloranta contained flavonoids. There was presence of terpenoids in all screened plants except Azadirachta indica and Cymbopogbon citratus while cardiac glycosides were found in every plant except Magnifera indica and Enantia chloranta. Results obtained from the in vitro cultivation of the Plasmodium falciparum with Athemether/lumefanthrine, amodiaquine and herbal concoction showed average percentage parasite inhibition of 80%, 37.8% and 38.6% respectively. This implies that Arthemether/lumefanthrine was capable of inhibiting the growth of the parasite best. The herbal concoction also inhibited growth (38.6% inhibition). There is need for additional investigation on a wider variety of plants to explore their antiplasmodial activities since there is evidence that it works, and it is quite available and affordable.

Analysis of Immune Markers and Hematological Features in Plasmodium/Dengue Virus Co-infected Patients in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Malaria and dengue are two important vector‑borne infections that are common in tropical countries. In these areas, simultaneous occurrence of malaria and dengue in an individual cannot be excluded, although published reports of co‑infections are scarce till date. The Aims of this study were to identify dengue and malaria co-infection cases as well as to ascertain the severity of dengue and malaria in co‑infection based on some hematological parameters. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2019 and 385 subjects with an undifferentiated febrile illness patients were recruited at outpatient clinics and blood sample were collected. All samples were tested for dengue NS1 antigen and for dengue IgM/IgG. Malaria diagnosis was based on the identification of Plasmodium parasites on a thin and thick blood films microscopy. Among the 385 patients included in the study, 23.9% were tested positive for malaria, 32.5% were positive for dengue, and 7.01% showed concurrent infection of both malaria and dengue. Malaria and dengue co-infected patients presented lower leukocytes level (5.024±0.559) than malaria monoinfected patients (7.304± 0.388; p=0.002). A significant reduction in platelet counts was observed in co-infected patients (164.0±10.91 vs 229.1±14.32; p=0.005). Conversely, hemoglobin level was statistically lower in malaria monoinfected patients than dengue monoinfected patients (p=0.014). Thus this study demonstrates that the diagnosis of dengue and malaria should be carried out routinely for better management of fever.

Anti-plasmodial Effect of C. limon and C. paradisi extracts on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Antiplasmodial effect of Citrus limon and Citrus paradisi extracts on Plasmodium berghei-infected mice was studied. Twenty five albino mice were randomized into five categories of G, L, GL, ACT (positive control) and NC which stand for grape, lemon, grape and lemon combined extracts, artemisinin combined therapy and negative control respectively. The NC group did not receive any intervention. Other treatments were administered orally for 12 days whereas administration of ACT lasted for 3 days. Blood was collected from the tail vein of the mice at a three day interval through venipuncture. Thick blood films were prepared and parasite densities were estimated using standard parasitological techniques. Results were analysed with ANOVA and Duncan multiple range tests. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between parasite densities of the treatment groups and the negative control at baseline levels. However, as the treatment progressed from day 3 through day 9, there were significant reductions (p<0.05) in parasite densities among treatment groups when compared to the negative control. In this study, extracts of C. limon and C. paradisi in both single and combined strengths have been found to have antiplasmodial properties in mice. ACT possessed the highest antiplasmodial effect while C. limon as a single treatment ranked second in possession of antiplasmodial activity but exhibited increased RBC lysis. In combination, C. limoni and C. paradise extracts showed antiplasmodial activity that is slightly less than that exhibited by the lemon extract alone, but maintained normal RBC morphology whereas C. paradisi extract alone exhibited the lowest level of parasite clearance with atrophied red blood cells. Investigation of the effects of the extracts on liver, kidney and gastrointestinal tissues of mice is recommended before they could be prescribed as antimalaria for other animals and humans.

Assessment of genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein in Sudan: the RTS,S leading malaria vaccine candidate

BackgroundThe currently used malaria vaccine, RTS,S, is designed based on the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP). The pfcsp gene, besides having different polymorphic patterns, can vary between P. falciparum isolates due to geographical origin and host immune response. Such aspects are essential when considering the deployment of the RTS,S vaccine in a certain region. Therefore, this study assessed the genetic diversity of P. falciparum in Sudan based on the pfcsp gene by investigating the diversity at the N-terminal, central repeat, and the C-terminal regions.MethodsA cross-sectional molecular study was conducted; P. falciparum isolates were collected from different health centres in Khartoum State between January and December 2019. During the study period, a total of 261 febrile patients were recruited. Malaria diagnosis was made by expert microscopists using Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films. DNA samples were examined by the semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Single clonal infection of the confirmed P. falciparum cases, were used to amplify the pfcsp gene. The amplified amplicons of pfcsp have been sequenced using the Sanger dideoxy method. The obtained sequences of pfcsp nucleotide diversity parameters including the numbers of haplotypes (Hap), haplotypes diversity (Hapd), the average number of nucleotide differences between two sequences (p), and the numbers of segregating sites (S) were obtained. The haplotype networks were constructed using the online tcsBU software. Natural selection theory was also tested on pfcsp using Fuand Li’s D, Fuand Li’s F statistics, and Tajima’s D test using DnaSP.ResultsIn comparison with the different pfcsp reference strains, the Sudanese isolates showed high similarity with other African isolates. The results of the N-terminal region showed the presence of 2 different haplotypes with a Hapd of 0.425 ± 0.00727. The presence of the unique insertion of NNNGDNGREGKDEDKRDGNN was reported. The KLKQP motif was conserved in all the studied isolates. At the central repeat region, 11 haplotypes were seen with a Hapd of 0.779 ± 0.00097. The analysis of the genetic diversity in the C-terminal region showed the presence of 10 haplotypes with a Hapd of 0.457 ± 0.073. Several non-synonymous amino acids changes were also seen at the Th2R and the Th3R T-cell epitope regions including T317K, E317K, Q318E, K321N, I322K, T322K, R322K, K324Q, I327L, G352N, S354P, R355K, N356D, Q357E, and E361A.ConclusionsIn this study, the results indicated a high conservation at the pfcsp gene. This may further contribute in understanding the genetic polymorphisms of P. falciparum prior to the deployment of the RTS,S vaccine in Sudan.

Effects of Malaria on some Haematological Parameters among Pregnant Women in Delta State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the effect of malaria parasitaemia on some haematological parameters of pregnant women in Delta State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: The experiment is a vertical survey of pregnant women.
 Place and Duration: The study was carried out in five designated Local Government Area in Delta State, Nigeria. They include Ughelli South, Ughelli North, Udu, Uvwie and Ethiope East Local Government Area, between January-August 2021.
 Methodology: Vein puncture technique was used to obtain 5ml of blood from 1000 pregnant women in the five selected government hospital in Delta State. Malaria parasite examination was done using thin and thick blood films, following standard parasitological techniques. Haematological parameters comprising packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocyte and basophils were determined and CD4 count was done using flow cytometry. Socio economic data was obtained with the use of structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using student T-test and Anova.
 Results: Out of the 1000 pregnant women examined, 624 (62.4%) tested positive for malaria. Those with secondary education had the highest prevalence where 234 (23.4%) examined and 202 (86.3%) infected. Data revealed that married women and artisans had very high infections of (70.9%) and (78.7%) respectively. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the level of PCV, HB, TWBC, Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Monocytes and CD4 count of those infected when compared to those uninfected. Women with 1+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 712.68 ± 12.23, those with 2+ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count 628.88±9.11, while those with 3 +++ve Plasmodium count had CD4 count of 578.71±2.10.
 Conclusion: Plasmodium parasitaemia had influenced the haematological parameters of pregnant women in the study. Pregnant women should be advice on the proper use of preventive strategies which include intermittent preventive treatment IPTp and the proper use of insecticide treated bed net.

Malaria Parasitaemia and Intervention Measures amongst Pregnant Women in Delta State, Nigeria

Pregnant women and children under the age of five are mostly affected because of their level of immunity. WHO have outlines various intervention measures for the control of malaria which include the use of long-lasting insecticidal treated nets, indoor residual spraying, intermittent preventive treatment and prompt and early treatments of confirmed cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate malaria parasitaemia and the level of compliance to the various WHO intervention measures in Delta State. 5ml of venous blood was drawn from 1000 consenting pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Delta State, Nigeria. Malaria parasite detection was done by microscopic examination of thin and thick blood films. Intervention measures were evaluated using a structured questionnaire, data obtained was analysed using measures of central tendency and student T-test. Out of the 1000 pregnant women examined, 624 (62.4%) tested positive for the P. falciparum parasite with the age group; 21-30 year having the highest prevalence of 70.9%. Primigravidae had the highest prevalence of 68.9% while women in their first trimester had (80.6%) prevalence. Women that slept under insecticide treated nets had a prevalence of 156 (46.6%), intermittent preventive treatment had 109(56.5%), indoor residual spraying had 186 (79.49%), early diagnosis and prompt treatment had 47 (74.60%) prevalence. Pregnant women should be encouraged on the use of various WHO intervention through health education.

Assessment of Malaria Parasitaemia among the Residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Malaria intensity in both Urban and Rural areas of Nigeria is of Public Health importance. This study was conducted to assess the malaria parasitaemia among the residence of Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT, in order to provide epidemiological data on malaria in the council for effective management program. A total of 200 residence within the range of 2-50 years were sampled for malaria parasitaemia using thick and thin film smears. A capillary blood sample was collected from each of the residence using finger prick technique, thick and thin blood films were prepared, stained, dried and examined for malaria parasites. The data was analyzed using simple percentages and chi-square analytical methods. The result from the study revealed an overall prevalence of 54.0% while the proportion of the residence infected were highest within the 2-10 years age-group (76.9%, P = 0.003, X2 = 8.42) followed by those in 11-20 years (65.0%) and 21-30 years (50.0%). Those in 31-40 years and 41-50 years (29-7% and 21.4%) had lowest. The highest density recorded was >10,000 parasites/ul across the positives as 2-10 years (P = 0.003, X2 = 2.22) has the highest. Malaria parasitaemia was highest among the vulnerable group 2-10 years (P = 0.003, X2 = 2.22) in the council and remain endemic. There is an urgent need to identify innovative and integrated control measures to reduce the scurge among them. Public Health education campaign against malaria infection and its agent (mosquito) should be intensified in the Council.

Prevalence of malaria in an area receiving seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Niger

BackgroundMalaria transmission is highly seasonal in Niger. Despite the introduction of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in the Magaria District, malaria incidence remains high, and the epidemiology of malaria in the community is not well-understood.MethodsFour cross-sectional, household-based malaria prevalence surveys were performed in the Magaria District of Niger between October 2016 and February 2018. Two occurred during the peak malaria season and two during the low malaria season. Individuals in each of three age strata (3–59 months, 5–9 years, and 10 years and above) were sampled in randomly-selected households. Capillary blood was collected by fingerprick, thick and thin blood films were examined. Microscopy was performed at Epicentre, Maradi, Niger, with external quality control. The target sample size was 396 households during the high-season surveys and 266 households during the low-season surveys.ResultsPrevalence of parasitaemia was highest in children aged 5–9 years during all four surveys, ranging between 53.6% (95%CI 48.8–63.6) in February 2018 and 73.2% (66.2–79.2) in September 2017. Prevalence of parasitaemia among children aged 3–59 months ranged between 39.6% (33.2–46.4) in February 2018 and 51.9% (45.1–58.6) in October 2016. Parasite density was highest in children aged 3–59 months during all four surveys, and was higher in high season surveys than in low season surveys among all participants. The prevalence of gametocytaemia in children aged 3–59 months ranged between 9.9% (6.5–14.8) in February 2018 and 19.3% (14.6–25.2) in October 2016. The prevalence of gametocytaemia in children aged 5–9 years ranged between 6.3% (3.5–11.1) in February 2018 and 18.5% (12.7–26.1) in October 2016.ConclusionsAsymptomatic malaria infection is highly prevalent in this area, even during the season with low incidence of clinical malaria. The high prevalence of parasitaemia in children aged 5–9 years warrants considering their inclusion in SMC programmes in this context.