Detection of Plasmodium species and parasite density among patients attending some selected hospitals in Sokoto Metropolis

Malaria remains a major cause of mortality in developing countries; it is endemic throughout Nigeria with seasonal variation in different geographic zones of the country. More than 120 Plasmodium Species are known, but only six infect humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax P. ovale; Curtisi and willikeri, P. malariae, P. knowlesi. The aim of this study was to detect the Plasmodium species and parasite density among patient attending some selected hospitals in Sokoto metropolis. A total of 297 samples were collected and analyzed using thick and thin blood films. An overall prevalence of 28% was obtained and Plasmodium falciparum was responsible for all the cases of infection. Based on gender, prevalence rates of 57% and 43% were obtained for male and female patients respectively. The mean parasite density of 690 µ/l and 450 µ/l were obtained for male and female subjects respectively. Based on age groups, the prevalence rates of 43%, 29%, 17%, 6% and 5% were recorded for ≤14 years, 15-24 years, 25-34 year, 35-44 years and 45-54 years respectively. Statistical analysis using Pearson’s correlation showed a significant r value of 0.020 while p value was insignificant (0.731). Based on gender, a significant correlation coefficient value of 0.103 was obtained and the p value (0.76) was insignificant. This study revealed that parasite density decreases with increase in age. Females had higher parasite density than males and Plasmodium falciparum was the only specie identified. Parasite density estimation using assumed WBC count in the diagnosis of malaria is recommended.