Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Plasmodium falciparum Dual Infection amongst Residents of Kaduna South in North Western Nigeria

Abstract

The possibility of co-infection between malaria and HIV in Nigeria is of tremendous public health concern. The study was designed to investigate the prevalence of malaria and HIV dual infection. A total of one hundred and fifty persons (150) showing signs and symptoms of malaria and HIV were recruited for this study following informed consent. Socio-demographic and predisposing factors were evaluated using open ended structured questionnaires. Malaria was diagnosed using Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films while antibodies to HIV type 1 and 2 HIV were detected using Abbott DetermineTM. A total of 85 participants (56.67%) were females while 65(43.33%) were males. Awareness to the etiological agents of malaria and HIV was 89(59.33%) and 65(43.33%), respectively. Out of the 150 participants, 83(55.33%) tested positive while 67(44.67%) tested negative to HIV, respectively and this was not significant (P = 0.40). The prevalence of malaria was 67(44.67%) and was not significant (P = 0.40). The prevalence of malaria and HIV co-infection was 53(63.86%). Although the prevalence of the dual infection was high, it was not significant (p = 0.50). There should be an integration of both HIV and malaria control and prevention programmes in the states and country at large.