Clinical burden of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in Quetta (City)

Abstract

Undoubtedly, the contemporary world has developed a lot with uncountable advancements in numerous fields; however, malaria still proves to be a grave threat. Not so much work has been produced for the spatiotemporal malarial analysis as well as its spread. Similar scenario can be seen in Pakistan and Quetta presents no different situation. This research work is carried out to observe the present day scenario of malarial infection in the general population of Quetta (city) and to aware the masses of the deadly risks related to malarial infection, its causes and to instruct them of the control and preventive measures to minimize its spread. Moreover, the up-to-date data can be helpful for the upcoming researches. The study was conducted for a net duration of 12 months w-e-f January 2020 to December 2020 taking into account all the seasonal variations. Several check-points such as schools, hospitals, laboratories, BHUs were visited religiously i.e. twice a month. An aggregate of 2679 samples were collected. Thereafter; thick as well as thin slides were made. From the data gathered from all the above-mentioned areas, the overall occurrence of malaria positive slides was 654 with 24.4 %. Plasmodium vivax was found in an abundant ratio i.e. 623 (95.2%) compared to Plasmodium falciparum 09 (1.3%). However, 22 (3.36%) cases were due to mixed infections. During the entire research study, Sabzal road and Pashtoonabad areas presented the highest prevalence rate 72 (30%) and 70 (29.7%) respectively, whereas the results from the area of Airport road presented the lowest occurrence 22 (15.8%). Plasmodium vivax was seen dominant with highest incidence 70 (97.2%) with an overall genderwise result of 388: 266 found prevalent in males 59.3% than in females i.e. 40.6%