Epidemiological study on malarial infection in district Pishin Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Malaria is one of the serious health issues throughout the world, caused by vector borne diseases of the genus Plasmodium. The word malaria comes from the Italian words ‘mala’ and ‘aria’ means bad air. Five species of Plasmodium parasites, P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. malariae and fifth specie P. knowlesi have been reported in some countries. Malarial parasite completes their life cycle in two hosts, one is female anopheles’ mosquitos (insect vector) and 2nd is human beings. Malaria is reported from June to September and becomes more common in rural areas as compared to urban areas in Pakistan. A total no of about 3031 malarial blood slides were carefully arranged from both genders’ male and female population from 13 diverse villages, their BHUS laboratories and the main populated Pishin city. In month wise incidence of concern disease, Plasmodium vivax appeared with a peak in July (41.6%) and was not present in the month of January (0%). Gender wise malarial status revealed to be higher in Males (60.4%) and lowest in Females (46.5%).