Malaysian Journal of Microbiology (Jan 2009)
Comparative Prevalence Level of Plasmodium in Freshmen (First Year Students) of Nnamdi Azikwe University in Awka, South-Eastern, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examines and reports the prevalence of plasmodium species between gender of freshmen (first year students) of Nnamdi Azikwe University, Akwa, South-Eastern, Nigeria. Blood film examination for malaria parasites in 200 (100.0%) freshmen; 82 (41.0%) males and 118 (59.0%) females was carried out over a 6-month period. Microscopic examinations of both thick and thin blood films techniques were employed for this study. A high malaria parasite prevalence rate of 80% was noted in these subjects. Of the 200 samples examined, 160 (80.0%) were Plasmodiumpositive. There was a female preponderance (F/M 2:1). A higher Plasmodium prevalence was recorded amongst females 102 (86.4%) than in the males 58 (70.7%) and there was no significant increase in malaria infection rate in any particular sex (P=0.05). Plasmodium falciparum was the most prevalent of all the other species. This study also shows that a good percentage of people were infested by malaria with P. falciparum [134 (83.8%)] being the most prevalent species, followed by P. malariae [14 (8.9%)], P. vivax [8 (5.0%)] and P. ovale [4 (2.5%)]. P. ovale was only found among the female subjects and none was found among the male subjects. The findings of this study are of a practical impact, with female subjects having the highest proportion of parasitic contamination. The higher prevalence of malaria Plasmodium found in this study could be attributed to the stagnant drainage systems in the University, which created favorable environmental conditions for the breeding of mosquitoes that act as vectors of malaria parasites and so this enhances the proliferation of the Plasmodium. It could also be attributed to the effect of climatic features on vector breeding and transmission. Wet season usually promote mosquito breeding. Also, the prevalence of P. falciparum could be attributed to its ability to resist attack of most drugs that are commonly in use in the study area. However, there should be a high index for the needs to take appropriate measures aimed at preventing malaria by intensifying efforts in mosquitoes eradication program through operation roll back malaria in Africa, especially in Nigeria.
