Prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax Infections among Malaria Suspected Patients Attending a District Hospital, Assam
Journal Title: National Journal of Laboratory Medicine - Year 2016, Vol 5, Issue 4
Abstract
Introduction: Malaria is a major public health problem in Assam and other North-Eastern states of India. Lakhimpur district is also one of the important malaria endemic regions of Assam, where several malaria outbreaks occurred in the recent past. The district hospital received the highest numbers of Malaria suspected patients from every corners of the district, which includes various age groups, caste and communities and belongs to different socio-economic status. Thus, it may help to estimate the prevailing burden of malaria in this geographical area for framing policy and action for malaria control. Aim: To understand the malaria epidemiology and related risk among the suspected patients. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional hospital based study on total 1362 malaria suspected patients attending North Lakhimpur Civil Hospital which was carried out from May, 2013 to June, 2015. The Plasmodium spp. detection was carried out by microscopic examination followed by immuno chromatography based rapid test kits. The relationship between age, sex and Plasmodium spp. infection were also examined. Results: Total 1362 blood samples tested, out of which 53 diagnosed as malaria positive. The overall Slide Positivity Rate (SPR) was 3.89. Total 45 (84.9%) patients infected with P. falciparum, 6 (11.3%) with P. vivax and 2 (3.8%) with both P. falciparum and P. vivax parasites. P. falciparum was the most prevalent infection. Monsoon season (May, June and July) was the peak period of the year for malaria transmission in Lakhimpur. Highest Slide Positivity Rate (6.9) was observed in the age group of 5-15 years. Highest P. falciparum infection occurred in the age group 5-15 years and highest P. vivax infection found in age group of 16-30 years. The two age groups 5-15 and 16-30 years were found as vulnerable groups for Plasmodium spp. infection. No significant relationship between sex and Plasmodium spp. infection was observed. The Bengali (9.1%) and Tea Garden community (7.7%) of the district demonstrated highest seropositivity rate. Conclusion: A significant burden of malaria still prevailing in this borderline district of the state. Early prompt diagnosis with enhanced malaria surveillance, community education and awareness regarding adult vector control, minimization of local breeding sites are highly recommended.
Authors and Affiliations
Dr. Mridul Malakar, Mr. Mridul Malakar
Keywords
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- EP ID EP382023
- DOI 10.7860/NJLM/2016/21667:2163
- Views 123
- Downloads 0
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