Cross-sectional survey of plasmodium falciparum and p. vivax malaria among Nnamdi Azikiwe University undergraduates

Abstract

Plasmodim falciparum and P. vivax pose the greatest malaria threat especially in developing countries. The study was aimed at investigating P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria infection among Nnamdi Azikiwe University students. Blood samples from 192 students were collected and examined using microscopy and Rapid Diagnostic Test cassettes. Questionnaire was distributed among participants to acertain their perception, treatment and preventive practices. Of the 192 samples collected, 108 (56.25%) were males and 84 (43.75%) were females. Thin blood film examinations revealed about 48 (25.00%) of the participants were positive and 144 (75.00%) negative for P. falciparum while the results from Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) gave 34 (17.71%) positive cases and 158 (82.29%) negative cases of P. falciparum. There was no case of P. vivax recorded both for microscopy and RDT. Results indicated that the students were knowledgeable about malaria, its signs and symptoms, mode of transmission and treatment practices.