Clinical Pediatrics: Open Access
Open Access
ISSN: 2572-0775
ISSN: 2572-0775
Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
Research Article
Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum among Infants in Nsukka Metropolis, South East Nigeria and to Ascertain Reliability of Available Diagnostic Techniques
Author(s): Ozioma P. Agu*, Ifunanya C. Agu and Kenneth O. Ugwu
Background: Malaria infection is of public health concern accounting for 90% annual deaths among under 5 children in Sub-Saharan Africa region. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum among infants in Nsukka metropolis and also ascertain the more effective diagnostic choice.
Methods: Three private hospitals and one government hospital were purposively selected for the study. A total of 150 infants aged 2 months-12 months, were sampled between August to September 2019 and January to March 2020 to represent the two main seasonal episodes in Nigeria. Demographic and health related data were obtained from the infants’ parents/guardians using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. Presence of P. falciparum was screened in the blood samples drawn from these infants using microscopy (thick and th.. View More»
DOI:
10.35248/2572-0775.23.8.243