Evaluation of malaria parasites in relation to Blood Groups among participants attending tertiary health facility, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is still considered a major public health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries of the world especially Africa, which Nigeria is among. Studies were conducted to evaluate malaria parasites in blood group of 440 consented participants in Sokoto Specialist Hospital. Blood samples were collected from each of the participants, and examined parasitologically using the thick and thin blood techniques. Overall 69.09 percent of malaria prevalence was recorded. It was statistically observed to be higher but insignificant in males (71.43%) than in females (69.96%) while the result of malaria prevalence according to age group of the subjects  showed a significant difference (P<0.05), age group <5 years (76.08%) had the highest prevalence and age group >45 years (51.43%) had the lowest prevalence of malarial infection. Chi-square test revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) of susceptibility of malaria, subjects with blood group O (73.24%) had the highest prevalence of malarial infection compared to blood group B (65.22%) and then blood group A (33.33%). This study therefore, revealed a high prevalence of malaria parasite infection in the study area, which indicated a high risk of morbidity and mortality in the area and that individuals with ABO blood group O are more vulnerable to malarial infection. Therefore, in a bid to save lives, this research recommended for a holistic  approach in the fight against malaria infection, which will aid the molecular and genetic understanding for how malaria health policy would be evidence-based in the control of disease and enhanced public enlightenments is also recommended.