South Asian Journal of Parasitology

Determination of the Prevalence of Malaria Infection and the Influence of Overuse and Misuse of Insecticide Treated Nets in Omoku Rivers State, Nigeria

Isomah, Abiye Chiladi, Isomah, Chiladi Jeff, Ejesi, Kelechi Ihuoma Lois — Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria is an endemic disease caused by Plasmodium, which is transmitted through the female anopheles mosquitoes. It is a devastating disease that threatens productivity and the economy of endemic countries like Nigeria. The study aimed at the prevalence rate of malaria infection regarding the overuse and misuse of insecticide-treated nets. A total number of eighty-two (82) children were recruited for this study, with a questionnaire administered to them and blood samples were taken for examination of the parasites using thick film and rapid diagnostic test methods. The result showed that the prevalence of malaria infection among the children aged 1-17 years, as diagnosed via microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) were 12.2% and 8.5% respectively, there was no statistically significant association of malaria infection with the use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), family education on the use of ITNs and other malaria control and prevention, residing in bushy, slump, and water-logged areas. Staying outdoors at dawn/dusk. This study also determined the association of malaria infection with some clinical data and risk factors. However, there was no statistically significant association of malaria infection with a history of symptoms (headache, fever, and muscle pain), previous malaria treatment, self-medication, and family history of the infection. From this study, it can be concluded that there was no association of the malaria infection with some clinical data and risk factor. However, proper sanitation and a healthy lifestyle should be sustained to limit the effect and spread of Malaria infection.

Microscopic and Molecular Detection of Intestinal Parasites Prevalence in Patients Attending Health Facilities in Anambra State, Nigeria

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections remain a major public health problem in developing countries, especially among children, with limited data on their prevalence in Nigeria using both microscopy and molecular diagnostic methods.

Aims: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI’s) constitute a global health burden in the developing countries. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of IPIs in two locations using microscopy and molecular techniques. The detection efficiency of the two methods was also compared.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to October 2023 on 1440 participants, comprising 724 males and 716 females of ages between 10 and 60 years.

Methodology: The study was carried out among subjects attending clinics and health facilities in two cities/ locations. The locations consisted of Awka and Onitsha Metropolis, both in Anambra State of Nigeria. Preliminary macroscopic examination was carried out to determine the color, consistency as well as the presence of blood, mucus, pus and adult worms in the stool sample. In microscopic examination, normal saline/iodine wet mount and the formol-ether concentration method was used in stool preparations to identify the parasites. In molecular technique, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction was carried out QIAamp PowerFecal Pro DNA Kit (QB).

Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was 33.3% and 46.0% using microscopy and PCR, respectively. The protozoans identified were Giardia lamblia (11.3%, 12.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.8%, 11.8%), and Cryptosporidium parvum (8.3%, 10.0%). The helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (24.2%, 21.4%), hookworm (21.3%, 19.2%), Trichuris trichuria (19.6%, 18.2%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (4.6%, 7.4%). Gender was not a significant factor, but age was significant (p=.001).

Conclusions: Prevalence of intestinal parasites infections was moderately high in the two study areas. Periodic screening, treatment of children, and public enlightenment with emphasis on personal hygiene and a clean environment are advocated.

Association between Malaria Infection, Anemia, and Nutritional Status among Children and Pre-adolescents Attending Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

C. N. Okeke, R. S. Houmsou, S. U. Egeonu, V. C. Okeke, M. C. Egwu — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria, anemia, and malnutrition are major public health challenges among children in sub-Saharan Africa, often coexisting and interacting in complex ways that worsen health outcomes. Despite their high burden, limited facility-based data exist on their interrelationship among children and pre-adolescents in northeastern Nigeria. This study assessed the association between malaria infection, anemia, and nutritional status among children and pre-adolescents attending Taraba State Specialist Hospital, Jalingo, Nigeria. A facility-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 360 children aged 2 to 14 years selected using systematic random sampling. Malaria diagnosis was performed using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, hemoglobin concentration was measured using a urit-12 Haemoglobinometer, and nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) based on WHO standards. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and associations were tested using chi-square statistics at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 70.3%. Malaria prevalence was slightly higher among males (72.6%) than females (67.8%), though not statistically significant (p = 0.323). A significant association was observed between malaria infection and anemia status (χ² = 13.54; p = 0.004), with the highest prevalence recorded among moderately anemic children (75.3%). Although a higher proportion of underweight children (70.7%) were malaria-positive, the association between malaria infection and BMI was not statistically significant (p = 0.370). The study revealed a high burden of malaria among children in the study area, with a significant association between malaria infection and anemia but not nutritional status. These findings highlight the need for integrated interventions targeting malaria control and anemia management to improve child health outcomes in endemic settings.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 from Infected Residents in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

Sime Abiye Abere, Ollor Amba Ollor, Easter Godwin Nwokah — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Malaria continues to pose a substantial public health challenge in Nigeria, with about 30.9% of the global malaria mortality burden. The challenges in achieving elimination may be attributed, in part, to the high genetic diversity of the parasite. This study was carried out to assess the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in Port Harcourt metropolis. A total of 184 uncoagulated blood samples were collected from patients who presented at some designated clinical laboratories in Port Harcourt. Samples were stained by the Giemsa technique and screened microscopically for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum. A total of 98 samples were found to be positive for Plasmodium falciparum, out of which 20 were randomly selected for molecular analysis for the presence of merozoite surface protein-1 alleles (R0333, MAD20, K1) using nested PCR method. The result revealed the presence of the three alleles, with R033 being the most prevalent with 45%, followed by K1 (32%) and MAD20 (23%). Study revealed that 45% of the infections were monoclonal infections, 30% were polyclonal while 25% had no expression of any allele which suggests that the parasitaemia in those samples were quite low. The findings of this study reveal that there is moderate genetic diversity in the study population with a heterozygosity (He) of 0.641. Although a moderate genetic diversity was observed, the multiplicity of infection (MOI) in this study was 1.1, which is usually seen in an area of low transmission. This low MOI observed in this study can be as a result of people in the population taking antimalarial medications before seeking medical attention. Study needs further elucidation.

Prevalence, Hematological, and Biochemical Correlates of Malaria-HBV Co-Infection among Pregnant Women in Enugu State, Nigeria

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria bears a heavy dual burden of malaria and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) globally. Because both pathogens target the liver during critical phases of their life cycles, co-infection can result in significant hematological and biochemical interactions. This study evaluated the prevalence of single and co-infections of malaria and HBV in Enugu State, as well as their impact on hematological and biochemical parameters. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted across three healthcare facilities in Enugu State. Structured questionnaires were administered to 250 consenting pregnant women to gather socio-demographic data. Body Mass Index (BMI) was recorded using standard procedures. Blood samples were collected for parasitological and microbiological evaluation using standard procedures. Automated and manual techniques were used to analyze hematological indices (hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell count (WBC), and platelets) and biochemical markers (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)). Among the 250 pregnant women sampled, the prevalence of single malaria infections was 51.2% (n=128), while the prevalence of single HBV infections was 4.8% (n=12). The antenatal profile indicated that 11.2% (n=28) of the pregnant women were HIV positive. The prevalence of malaria-HBV co-infection was found to be 8.4% (n=21), with none of the women with malaria-HBV co-infection testing positive for HIV; however, some exhibited HBV-HIV co-infection. Socio-demographic characteristics showed no significant association with any infection status (p > 0.05). Notably, single HBV infection was significantly associated with BMI (p = 0.045). Hematological analysis revealed that women co-infected with malaria and HBV had significantly lower (p < 0.05) mean hemoglobin (9.70+1.35 g/dL) and PCV (29.10+4.04%) levels compared to those with single HBV (10.90+1.32 g/dL and 32.70+3.96%) and malaria infections (10.32+1.38 g/dL and 30.96+4.14%), respectively. Other parameters did not differ significantly across groups (p > 0.05). Results suggest that there is a moderate burden of malaria-HBV co-infection among pregnant women in Enugu State, posing an equal threat across different socio-economic strata. Co-infection significantly worsens the maternal clinical profile by driving down hemoglobin and PCV levels. Furthermore, HBV infection in overweight or obese pregnant individuals highlights the risk of gestational diabetes.