Prevalence Of Malaria And Typhoid Infections In Endemic Community Of Ogun State, Nigeria

D. A. Ojo and C. F. Mafiana

College of Natural Sciences, P.M.B. 2240, Abeokuta (Nigeria)

ABSTRACT: Investigations were conducted on aspect of the prevalence of malaria and typhoid infections in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State located in the forest zone of southwest, Nigeria. Using the cross-sectional study, blood samples were examined in children <15 years for malaria parasitaemia, Widal serologic reactions and other haematological parameters (PCV, Hb, ABO system, Rh factor and Hb genotype). The overall prevalence of malaria infection was 59.9% (Plasmodium falciparum accounted for 89.7% and Plasmodium malariae 10.3%) and females were significantly more infected (64.3%) than males (56.1% (P = 0.05); so also were children aged 0 - 5 years were infected (83.1%) than other age groups. More children were infected in the high density areas (64.3%) than low density areas (46.4%) (P = 0.235). There were significant differences in malaria infection among the various Hb genotypes (P < 0.0001). Also malaria was significantly higher among children with severe aneamia (P < 0.0001). However there was no significant difference between malaria infection among the different blood groups (P = 0.357) and in Rhesus antigen (P = 0.4390). Gametocytopaenia was 7.9% and was significantly higher among the youngest age group (P < 0.0001). Parasite density increased with increasing body temperature (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of typhoid infection was 17.4% but did not differ between sexes (P = 0.8522) although significantly higher among older children (P = 0.0001). Among 500 blood and stool samples respectively screened for Widal agglutination reaction and stool cultures, growth was recorded in 54.5% and 100% of samples with titre values 1:160 and 1:320 respectively.

KEYWORDS: Malaria; Typhoid infections; Endemic community; Ogun state

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