Malaria in the New-born as Seen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Review

Abstract

Malaria has continued to be an endemic disease of the tropics and subtropics. Malaria in the newborn is a global public health challenge with a high mortality rate in developing countries. A descriptive retrospective study over a 5 years period (2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011) conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Information on Socio-demographic data, malaria parasite laboratory result and clinical information were retrieved from the medical microbiology departmental result registry. There was an overall 61% prevalence of malaria in neonates over the five years period with severe malaria occurring in 2.94% of them. Yearly Prevalence of malaria from 2006 to 2008 was 87.66%, 43.83%, and 70.74% respectively. There was about twelve percent decline in prevalence of malaria between 2009 and 2011 from 69.62% to 57.78% The study demonstrated a high prevalence of malaria in newborn in southern Nigeria, necessitating a need for high index of suspicion, early diagnosis, prompt and appropriate treatment to prevent neonatal mortality.

Malaria among febrile neonates attending the neonatology unit of the Bamenda regional hospital

“…Effective implementation of malaria control measures have been shown to previously reduce neonatal malaria. In a 5 year study, the incidence of neonatal malaria declined by 12% after 3 years of implementation of malaria control measures ( Eberechukwu and Oluwajenyo, 2017 ).…”

“…There was a significant occurrence of fever in babies with neonatal malaria and fever had been reported as the typical sign of neonatal malaria ( Fischer, 1997 ; Ojukwu et al, 2004 ; Runsewe-Abiodun et al, 2006 ). Studies in other malaria endemic regions have recommended that malaria parasite checks be included as part of routine workup for all neonates with fever ( Eberechukwu and Oluwajenyo, 2017 ; Mohan et al, 2014 ; Runsewe-Abiodun et al, 2006 ). This routine workup for neonates is yet to be implemented in the current study area.…”