Malaria Case Presentation: The Results of a Web Based Malaria Surveillance in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria bears the heaviest malaria burden of any single nation in the world and has relentlessly pursued the elimination of the disease. One of the key strategies for the elimination of malaria is increasing the specificity and sensitivity of surveillance. To this end, this study sought to determine malaria transmission along an altitudinal gradient of Plateau state, central Nigeria, while examining socio- demographic factors affecting the prevalence of malaria at these sites. Three communities each at high and low elevation areas of Plateau State in central Nigeria were surveyed for incidence of malaria cases. Information on age, gender, use of long-lasting insecticide treated nets, pregnancy status in women, and, malaria severity were recorded in 1700 study subjects. Using venipuncture method, 4ml blood samples were collected in EDTA vials for laboratory analyses. Microscopy (thick and thin blood smear techniques) and Rapid Diagnostic test were used to detect malaria parasites and determine the Plasmodium species involved. Using a propriety application (ELDACAP), real time geolocation data, socioeconomic, health, and preventative status information were also collected from all 1700 respondents. Our findings showed more cases of malaria prevalence in lowland areas compared to highland areas. The main predictors of malaria incidence were age, sex, use of ITN and the presentation of symptoms. Non-net users had more prevalence of malaria compared to users, males had a higher positive frequency compared to females, and malaria was more prevalent in the younger age group compared to older group. Malaria eradication in north-central Nigeria must take into account geographic differences, cultural and social practices, previous anti-malaria preventative measures (use of ITN), as well as the presence of asymptomatic malaria carriers who serve as reservoir in the population