Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

An Update of Asymptomatic Falciparum Malaria in School Children in Muea, Southwest Cameroon

Helen Kuokuo Kimbi, Frederick Chi Keka, Hervé Nyabeyeu Nyabeyeu, Hilda Uforka Ajeagah, Calvin Fotsing Tonga, Emmaculate Lum, Asaah Humphrey Gah and Leopold G. Lehman

Despite efforts put in by the international community to reduce malaria burden in Africa, the disease especially is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, still remains a major health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study involving 366 pupils was conducted in Muea, Southwest Cameroon to assess an update of the burden of falciparum malaria in school children. Capillary blood samples were collected and Giemsa-stained and blood films were observed microscopically for the identification and quantification of malaria parasites. Capillary tubes were filled with blood and spun at 10,000 rpm for 5 minutes, for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV). The overall prevalence of asexual parasites and anaemia were compared with the values, previously reported in a similar study at the same site in 2005. The overall prevalence of P. falciparum asexual parasites was 44.26%, as opposed to a value of 98% reported in 2005. The prevalence of asexual parasites significantly decreased with age (Χ2 =20.86, p<0.0001). The values were similar in the sexes. The overall geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) of asexual P. falciparum was 1490.00 ± 1674.92 and the value was similar in the sexes and age groups. P. falciparum gametocyte prevalence was 17.49% and the value decreased significantly with age (X2=22.88, p< 0.0001). The overall GMPD of gametocytes was 23.48 ± 6.96 parasites/ μl. Gametocytaemia decreased with age and the difference was significant (F=62.61, p<0001). The overall prevalence of anaemia was 3.83%, as opposed to 10.6% in 2005. Generally, there was a significant drop in prevalence of asexual malarial parasites and anaemia in school children, compared to the previously reported values in 2005, and this is ascribed to the use of intervention strategies in recent years in the area.