Epidemiology of falciparum malaria among residents of some rural and peri-urban communities in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.47665/tb.38.1.003
- Author:
Awosolu, O.B.
1
,
2
;
Yahaya, Z.S.
1
;
Farah Haziqah, M.T.
1
;
Simon-Oke, I.A.
2
;
Olanipekun, I.T.
2
;
Oniya, M.O.
2
Author Information
1. School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia&
2. Parasitology and Public Health Unit, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Ekiti State, Epidemiology, Malaria, Peri-Urban, Plasmodium falciparum, Rural.
- From:Tropical Biomedicine
2021;38(No.1):14-21
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Malaria which is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium is a devastating parasitic
disease of major public health challenge worldwide, particularly Nigeria. This study was
carried out to investigate the epidemiology of falciparum malaria among residents of rural
and peri-urban communities in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. Standard parasitological
technique of microscopy was employed to determine and identify parasite prevalence and
species. A questionnaire was used to collect subject’s information such as age, sex, location,
occupation and education. Out of the 300 individuals examined, a total of 283 (93.4%)
individuals were infected with malaria parasite. Sex pattern of infection indicated that
male had higher malaria prevalence of 95.0% compared to female with the prevalence of
93.3% (P>0.05). The age group 51 to 60 years had the highest malaria parasite prevalence of
100% while age group <10 years has the least malaria parasite prevalence of 86.0% (P>0.05).
Similarly, a total mean malaria parasite density of 1455.90 parasite/μL of blood was recorded.
The mean malaria parasite density does not significantly vary (P>0.05) among age and
sex group. The age group >60 years recorded the highest mean parasite density of 2092.50
parasite/μL of blood while age group <10 has the least mean malaria parasite density of
1044. 42 parasite/μL of blood. In relation to sex, the highest mean malaria parasite density
was found among the female (1461.80 parasite/μL of blood) compared to male (1450 parasite/
μL of blood). In the same vein, occupation as a socioeconomic risk factor play a major role
with respect to malaria infection. The highest malaria prevalence of 113 (98.26%) was recorded
among farmers while the least 34 (85%) was recorded among Civil servants (P<0.05). Thus, it
is apparent that falciparum malaria is heavily prevalent in this study area and as such
urgent management control measures and interventions should be made available and
fully utilized.
- Full text:8.2021my1203.pdf
