Prevalence of Haemozoin among Patients with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Some Selected Hospitals in Bakori and Funtua, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

In malaria diagnosis and accurate assessment is critical to clinical management. Intraleukocytic malaria pigment characteristics were explored as it relates to severe falciparum malaria. This study evaluates the prevalence of haemozoin among patients with Plasmodium falciparum malaria in some selected hospitals in Bakori and Funtua, Katsina state, Nigeria. Intraleukocytic malaria pigment (hemozoin) was detected on thin films by counting 500 leukocytes and determining the proportions of haemozoin-containing neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. A total of 392 blood samples were stained and examined under the light microscope using a 100x objective lens. Immunochromatography tests based on the capture of the parasite antigen from the peripheral blood using monoclonal anti-HRP-II antibodies were used for detecting Plasmodium falciparum antigens, as well as the presence and quantity of the malaria pigment in leukocytes in smears. The findings of this study recorded the highest number of intraleukocytic malaria pigment within the age group 2-10years, with 40.8% prevalence rate collectively, and the prevalence of haemozoin related to sex, the females had a higher prevalence compared to males. This could be due to a combination of biological factors, social inequalities and challenges in accessing preventive care.