Plasmodium falciparum Detection and Assessment of Utilization of Insecticide Treated Nets among Pregnant Women Attending Sir Muhammad Sanusi Specialist Hospital, Kano State

Abstract

Pregnancy associated with malaria (PAM) is a major cause of morbidity among pregnant women and their offspring in Plasmodium falciparum endemic areas. This study assessed the utilization of the insecticide-treated nets by Plasmodium falciparum-infected pregnant women attending Sir Muhammad Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Kano. Blood samples of 220 pregnant women were collected and analyzed by Rapid diagnostic test, microscopy, Parasite Density estimation, Hematological parameters and molecular analysis of Plasmodium falciparum. Questionnaires were used to obtain information about occupation, age, trimesters (gestation of pregnancy), and use of mosquito nets. The results showed that the age range of 18-30 recorded the highest prevalence of 21.9%. Highest incidence was also recorded in the 3^rd trimester, followed by the 2^nd and 1^st trimesters with percentage prevalences of 22.4%, 19.3% and 18.2% respectively. The parasite density was not significantly different among respondents of various trimesters and severe parasitemia was observed to be higher in women in their first trimester. The hematological parameters did not differ significantly (P<0.05). Among the pregnant women. The proportion of pregnant women who used the net 201(91.4%) was significantly higher (P>0.05) than those who did not use the nets 19 (8.6%). Out of the 10 samples that had the highest parasite density, only 3 (30) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum when tested by molecular analysis. Despite the low prevalence, pregnant women should be encouraged about the need for adequate utilization of ITN to prevent maternal and infant morbidity and mortality due to malaria.