Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection by microscopy and its determinants among residents of Ido-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background Asymptomatic malaria infections have received less attention than symptomatic malaria infections in major studies. Few epidemiological studies on asymptomatic malaria infections have often focused on pregnant women and children under-five years of age as the most vulnerable groups. However, there is limitation on data regarding asymptomatic infections among the old adult populations, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection by microscopy and its determinants among residents of Ido- Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and September 2021 among 232 consenting apparently healthy individuals aged 40 years and above who were recruited during a free health screening program using a standardised interviewer-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire sought information on respondents’ socio-demographics, presence and types of co-morbidity, and the prevention methods being adopted against malaria infection. Venous blood samples were collected and processed for asymptomatic infections using Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with asymptomatic infections. Results Of the total 232 respondents, 19.0% (48/232) were confirmed to be infected with Plasmodium falciparum (95% confidence interval (CI): 14.1% - 24.6%). Lack of formal education (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.298, 95% (CI): 2.184-13.997), being diabetic (AOR: 4.681, 95% CI: 1.669-16.105), and not sleeping under Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLINs) (AOR: 4.594, 95% CI: 1.194-14.091), were the determinants of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection. Conclusion The prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum was 19%. Lack of formal education, being diabetic, and not sleeping under LLINs were the determinants of asymptomatic infections.

Malaria infection and its association with socio-demographics, long lasting insecticide nets usage and hematological parameters among adolescent patients in rural Southwestern Nigeria

“…Using multivariate regression for factors that were significantly associated with malaria infection in this study, respondents who had no formal education were 3.403 times more likely to increase the odds of malaria infection as compared to those who had formal education. This was similar to cross sectional studies conducted in Ibadan Southwestern Nigeria [11], Kano Northwestern Nigeria [9], and Kenya [35], which showed that level of education significantly influences the knowledge, attitude, and practice of people in various malaria interventions, treatment, and control [9,11,33,35].…”

“…This is comparable to cross sectional study conducted in other malaria endemic setting [14]. This finding was not surprised given the fact that P. falciparum is the dominant Plasmodium species in Southwestern Nigeria [30,33], Africa [34], and 99.7% estimated malaria cases of P. falciparum have been documented from WHO African regions [1]. It is responsible for the reported high morbidity and mortality among children, especially in sub-Sahara Africa countries.…”

Mathematical models of Plasmodium vivax transmission: A scoping review

“…This is recognised as an obstacle in malaria elimination [ 141 , 142 ]. Asymptomatic malaria infections have received less research attention than symptomatic infections in major studies [ 143 , 144 ] and even when developing mathematical models. Only a few models have explicitly considered asymptomatic infections [ 55 , 72 , 74 , 87 ].…”

High prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in Forest Guinea: Results from a rapid community survey

“…The World Health Organization's current guidelines focus on "test, treat, and trace" strategies of symptomatic individuals, complemented by preventive efforts such as vector control and chemoprophylaxis for high-risk groups (2,3). However, there is growing recognition that many individuals infected with malaria may not display overt symptoms, due to immune protection from previous exposures and other factors, but yet may still contribute to overall disease transmission (4)(5)(6). The extent to which these asymptomatic infections exist in a population may help to determine the effectiveness of existing control efforts.…”