ABSTRACT
Introduction: Malaria is a febrile illness caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. The genetic diversity and antimalarial drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum are some of the major challenges of malaria control programme in Nigeria. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the genetic diversity, and molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance among patients attending Government hospitals in Benue State, Nigeria. Methodology: Plasmodium falciparum deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted from dried blood spots of 60 positive malariacases among the patients. The diversity of Plasmodium falciparum was done by genotyping 3D7 and FC27 families of merozoite surface protein- 2 alleles. The Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 and Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 genes of Plasmodium falciparum were also amplified and assessed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to survey molecular resistance to antimalarial drugs. Results: The results showed that the frequency of 3D7 allele 37(61.7%) was higher than FC27 allele 18(30.0%). The frequency of merozoite surface protein- 2 infections with both allelic types was 5(8.3%). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the merozoite surface protein two alleles (?2=25.9,df=2 P<.0.001). Both the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 Asparagine 86Tyrosine (N86Y) and Aspartic acid 1246Tyrosine (D1246Y), had 100 % mutant while the 100% while the Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 G449A had 100% wild type allele. Conclusion: The current study underscores the need for frequent monitoring of indicators of antimalaria drug resistance in Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium and is one of the most important parasitic diseases of man globally especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This research was done to assess malaria infection and its relationship with the knowledge, attitude, perception and prevention among students of boarding schools in Gboko Local Government Area. Five boarding schools within Gboko Local Government were selected for the study. A total of 370 students were sampled to represent the population. Malaria in the schools selected for this study was determined through malaria test via the examination of stained thick blood smears under the microscope. Structured questionnaires were administered to the participants to get information pertaining to their demography, knowledge, attitude, perception and preventive methods towards malaria. Thick blood films were stained using Romanowsky Field Stains. Chi-square was used for comparing infections and to determine the significant relationships at 95% level of significance. The results showed an overall prevalence of 20.8%. The prevalence of malaria was higher among female students (22.3%) than in male students (19.5%). Malaria was found most (10.8%) among students who use insecticide treated nets (ITNs). This study revealed that the knowledge and ownership of insecticide treated net (ITN) was high (86.2%) among the students. However, only 60.0% of the ITN owners actually use it. Thirteen percent of the students have phobia for the use of ITN while many students do not use the ITN for diverse perceived reasons. The treatment seeking behavior of the students showed that majority of the students (84.9%) access the school clinic when they have fever. This study has revealed that there are misconceptions on the knowledge of malaria among students and these are some of the factors leading to the risk and exposure of students to the bites of mosquitoes. The perceived beliefs on malaria in this study have no scientific basis and can easily be overcome through proper health education. Providing a mosquito free environment and promoting ITN usage as well as use of mosquito repellent cream among boarding school students may help achieve the desired protection against mosquito bites and subsequently prevent malaria.