The concept of malaria elimination is to get rid of local transmission of malaria parasites in a defined geographical area. Among the measures required for malaria elimination is prompt and accurate diagnosis. Malaria diagnostic tools currently in use: clinical diagnosis, Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDT) and molecular diagnosis, have limitations. Clinical diagnosis can be used as first step in making prompt malaria diagnosis, but cannot confirm cases. Malaria RDTs satisfies the need for prompt diagnosis but has low accuracy in confirming cases. Accuracy of microscopy depends on making good blood films, and accurate film interpretation. Molecular diagnosis required for species-specific diagnosis of malaria parasites, and determination of genes that confers drug resistance to Plasmodium species is not available for routine use. As part of elimination efforts, there is development of mRDT kits that utilize urine or saliva instead of blood specimen, microscopy digital image recognition and different technologies for molecular diagnosis. So far, none of these diagnostic tools has satisfied the need for prompt and accurate diagnosis. It is therefore recommended that more than one diagnostic tool is needed for malaria elimination to be achieved in a given area. This will ensure early detection and treatment of cases, as well as prevent the re-establishment of transmission.
A Study on the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection among pregnant women visiting community hospitals in Aguata LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria was carried out between October, 2014 and March 2015. Six hundred and five (605) pregnant women from 5 communities, who attended antenatal clinic during the research period, were involved in the study. Venous blood samples were collected and Plasmodium infection determined using microscopy of Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films. Of the 605 pregnant women sampled, 263 (43.5%) were infected. The prevalence by community was highest (67.4%) in Uga and least (29.9%) in Achina (P<0.05). Prevalence by age was highest (46.9%) in the age group (21-25) years and least (39.5%) in the age group (31-35) years (P>0.05). Highest prevalence (43.7%) was recorded among women that attained secondary school while women that attained tertiary education recorded the least (42.5%) prevalence (P>0.05). Farmers had the highest (81.8%) prevalence and the least (40.5%) was among traders (P<0.05). The highest prevalence (52.0%) was recorded among those in their second trimester and lowest (33.7%) among those in their third trimester (P<0.05). Women who started ANC in their third trimester had highest prevalence (56.5%) whereas those that started ANC in second trimester had least (37.6%) prevalence (P<0.05). With the high prevalence of Plasmodium infection in the study area, there is need for continual community enlightenment programs to reduce the burden of Plasmodium infection especially during pregnancy.
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