Pattern of Malaria Parasitaemia and Genotype among Residents of Orita Obele, Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aim: Malaria is a major disease of public health concern which requires adequate epidemiological information for proper management and control in Nigeria. This research was carried out to determine the pattern of malaria parasitaemia and genotype among residents of Orita Obele in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in which blood samples were collected from volunteer individuals visiting Orita Obele Primary Health care Center in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Relevant information such as sex and age was obtained from their hospital record and a well-designed questionnaire. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared and microscopy was used to establish malaria infection, parasite identification and density.  Results: A total of 185 patients were examined, out of which 132 (71.4%) were positive for malaria infection. Male had higher prevalence of 73.9% while female had lower prevalence 70.5%. Out of the 185 samples that were analyzed, 132 (71.4%) were positive for malaria infection. The age group 11 to 20 years had the highest prevalence of 78.3% while age group 41 to 50 years had the lowest prevalence of 66.7%. The genotype HbAA had the highest prevalence of malaria (74.6%) while genotype HbAS had the lowest malaria prevalence of (64.3%). Conclusions: It is apparent that malaria is prevalent in this study area and as such urgent control measures should be deployed to arrest the situation.