Sero-prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae among HIV-positive patients in Jos, Plateau State, North-central Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is a leading cause of disease burden in Nigeria, although surprisingly few contemporary, age stratified data exist on malaria epidemiology in the country. Transmission of Plasmodium falciparum and P. Malariae among HIV –infected individuals was studied in Jos, Central Nigeria to ascertain the prevalence of malaria and HIV infection with a specific focus on how risk factors differ between demographic groups. Blood samples were collected from individuals by venepuncture in 5 ml vacutainers and tubes containing Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA). Thick and thin blood smears were made and stained with Giemsa. These were screened for HIV and microscopically examined for malaria parasites according to standard procedure. The demographic data of the patients were obtained and documented. Out of 933 HIV-infected individuals screened for Plasmodium parasites, an overall malaria prevalence of 16.2% (151/933) was observed. Of this number, 120(12.8%) were infected with P. falciparum, 28(3.0%) were infected with P. malariae while 3(0.3%) had mixed infections. P. falciparum and P. malariae were found more in patients under 15 years of age (33.3%). Malaria was least common among the 15 to 25 year old age group (14.2%). There was however no significant difference (p>0.05) in the Plasmodium species distribution among the different age groups. This study shows that HIV/AIDS, P. falciparum and P. malariae are prevalent within the population and calls for concerted effort and intervention by the government, policy makers and indeed all and sundry to stop the spread. Effective policies and services are needed to reduce the substantial disease burden among the general population.