Asymptomatic malaria in children under 5 years old in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Malaria remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in endemic areas, primarily affecting children under five years of age, particularly in the sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to determine asymptomatic malaria infection among children under 5 years in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A total of 155 children which consisted of 73 males and 82 females were recruited in this study. The age of the children that were recruited ranged from 0 to 5 years. Venous blood specimen was collected from each participant and malaria was diagnosed using standard procedure.

Results: A prevalence of 29% asymptomatic malaria was observed among children under 5 years. Parents' occupation and those children that sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets did not affect significantly the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria. Age, gender and anaemia were significantly associated with asymptomatic malaria.

Conclusion: Interventions to reduce asymptomatic malaria are advocated.

Keywords: Asymptomatic malaria, Benin City, Children under 5 years

An Erratum was published for this article. It can be found here: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/sjmrp.v5i1.b