Background: Nigeria has a high prevalence of malaria, with asymptomatic patients being one of the possible reservoirs. In this context, accurate diagnosis is essential for malaria control. The efficacy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is being threatened by false negatives due to pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions. This study aims to describe malaria in asymptomatic schoolchildren in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria and to assess the performance of malaria diagnosis, including the characterisation of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions. Methods: A total of 350 dried blood spot (DBS) samples from schoolchildren were used for malaria diagnosis using microscopy, RDTs, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for microscopy and RDTs, using PCR as the gold standard. Pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions were analysed for all P. falciparum-positive samples using multiplex qPCR. Results: The P. falciparum infection frequency among asymptomatic schoolchildren in Osun State was 89%. Considering PCR as the gold standard, microscopy presented better sensitivity at 100% (86% for RDTs), but RDTs had better specificity at 76% (60% for microscopy). The deletion frequency of the pfhrp2 gene among positive samples was 16.6%, while it was 1.3% for pfhrp3 and 0.9% for double deletion. However, considering all positive samples, only 3% of samples yielded false negatives by RDT with deletion in pfhrp2. Conclusions: P. falciparum infection has a high frequency in asymptomatic schoolchildren, being a potential hotspot for malaria. The combination of RDTs and microscopy could increase the accuracy of malaria diagnosis. Deletions in pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 are highly common in Osun State, but their impact on RDT results is still limited. More surveillance studies are recommended to assess the contribution of asymptomatic children to malaria transmission and the impact of deletions.

Nigeria accounts for the greatest burden of malaria disease globally. Malaria control requires an effective treatment after diagnosis. The efficacy of antimalarial drugs can be assessed through the analysis of genetic changes associated with reduced drug sensitivity. This study includes the analysis of the markers associated with artemisinin (pfk13), sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (pfdhfr and pfdhps), and chloroquine and its derivatives (pfmdr1 and pfcrt) resistances, in blood samples collected from asymptomatic children in south-western Nigeria. The 25.95

The routine diagnostic method used for clinical samples suspected of filarial infection in our laboratory is the Filaria-real time-PCR (F-RT-PCR). The drawback of this method is the need for melting temperature analysis and PCR products' electrophoresis to identify the filarial species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to design a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay using filarial-specific hydrolysis probes, targeting 18S rRNA and ITS1 genes, allowing the simultaneous diagnosis of loiasis, mansonellosis and other human filariasis without the need of electrophoresis or melting temperature analysis. To achieve this objective, three filarial probes (Fil-Hum-GT1, Loa-Hum-GT2 and Mp-Hum-GT2) were designed, optimised and validated for integration into a single qPCR assay, named filarial-multiplexed probe-quantitative PCR (F-mp-qPCR). For the optimisation and validation of the F-mp-qPCR method, a total of 304 clinical samples as dried blood spot were used with their corresponding thick blood smears stained by Giemsa 3%. The detection limit of the Fil-Hum-GT1, Loa-Hum-GT2 and Mp-Hum-GT2 probes was 0.05, 0.5 and 3 mF/mL, respectively. The most sensitive and specific probe was the general filarial probe Fil-Hum-GT1, with a sensitivity of 92.0% to detect L. loa, 88.6% to detect M. perstans and 85.7% to detect mixed infections, with 100% specificity. Agreement with microscopy was excellent for the Fil-Hum-GT1 probe. In contrast, the Mp-Hum-GT2 probe showed the lowest performance, with a sensitivity of 81.8% to detect M. perstans, decreasing to 42.9% for mixed infections. Although the developed method did not prove to be significantly more sensitive than microscopy, this novel method is faster and easier to perform compared to microscopy and is very useful for screening large population groups in a context of medium-to-low human filariasis transmission.

Abstract Background Nigeria has a high prevalence of malaria, being asymptomatic patients one of the possible reservoirs of malaria. In that context, accurate diagnosis is essential for malaria control. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) efficacy is being threatened by false negatives due to pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions. This study aims to describe malaria in asymptomatic school children in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria and to assess the performance of malaria diagnosis, including the characterization of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions. Methods 350 dried blood spot (DBS) samples from school children were used for malaria diagnosis using microscopy, RDT and PCR. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for microscopy and RDT using PCR as gold standard. Pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions were analysed for all P. falciparum-positive samples. Results Malaria prevalence among asymptomatic school children in Osun state was 89%. Considering PCR as gold standard, microscopy presented better sensitivity 100% (86% for RDT) but RDT had better specificity 76% (60% for microscopy). Deletion frequency of pfhrp2 exon among all samples was 41.5%, and 52.8% for pfhrp3 exon. But deletion frequency among false negatives by RDT was lower, 3% for pfhrp2, 5% for pfhrp3 and 2% for double pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions. Conclusions Malaria has a high prevalence in asymptomatic school children, being a potential hotspot for malaria. Combination of RDT and microscopy could increase the accuracy of malaria diagnosis. Deletions in pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 are highly common in Osun state, but their impact on RDT results is still limited. More surveillance studies are recommended to assess the contribution of asymptomatic children to malaria transmission and the impact of deletions.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous bacterium that causes various hospital- acquired and community-acquired infections. It has been reported that the clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa are difficult to treat because of their virulence factors and antibiotics resistances. The aim of present study was to screen the antibiotic resistance patterns and the prevalence of virulence factor genes in a set of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from Ogbomoso, and to determine whether a correlation exists between the prevalence of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa. A total of 100 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from various types of clinical specimens. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-bauer method. In addition, PCR assays were used for screening four virulence encoding genes (OPRL, LasB, PLCH and ToxA). The results showed that OPRL (79%) and LasB (62%) were the most frequent virulence genes in P. aeruginosa strains, followed by PLCH (41%) and ToxA (35%). The highest resistance was detected towards Piperacillin (42%) and Tetracycline (42%). Moderate rate of resistance (12-39%) were detected towards the other antibiotics. The virulent factors identified in this study provide valuable information regarding the prevalence of resistance genes of P. aeruginosa isolates in Ogbomoso, Nigeria and their potential impact on treatments that exploit the unique physiology of the pathogen. This will be useful for the health workers to improve infection control measures and to establish a surveillance system. Keywords: antibiotic resistance, virulence genes, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Background: Pregnant women are in danger from malaria infection during pregnancy, which is a serious public health issue. A key obstacle to eradicating malaria is the reservoir host for the parasite, and is also regarded as one of the main obstacles to eliminating malaria. This study assessed the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2020 to assess the prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic malaria among 294 consenting pregnant women. Socio-demographic data, Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy with SP (IPTp-SP), and information on insecticide-treated nets use were collected using a structured questionnaire. SD BIOLINE Malaria rapid diagnostic test kits and Giemsa-stained blood smear microscopy were used to diagnose Plasmodium infections. Anaemia status was determined using microhematocrit centrifugation. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. In all comparisons, p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection was 20.4% (60/294) and 23.5% (69/ 294) using microscopy and RDT, respectively. Among those infected, 76.7% were anaemic (p=0.001). Asymptomatic malaria was significantly associated with not using insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN). Secundigravida women and being in third-trimester pregnancy were significant determinants of pregnancy-associated malaria. Conclusion: This study showed that malaria and anaemia are still prevalent among pregnant women in Southern Nigeria, and it is a significant concern for public health. Improved access to intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets should be encouraged to help further diminish the risk of malaria infection amongst pregnant women in the region.

Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) are two parasitic diseases mainly affecting school children. The purpose of this study was to estimate the current prevalence and infection intensity, in addition to the associations of these infections with age and sex, in children aged 4-17 years living in Osun State, Nigeria. From each participant (250 children), one urine and one stool sample were taken for the study, for the microscopic detection of eggs or larvae in faeces by means of the Kato-Katz method and eggs in filtrated urine. The overall prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 15.20%, with light infection. The intestinal helminthic species identified (and their prevalence) were S. stercoralis (10.80%), S. mansoni (8%), A. lumbricoides (7.20%), hookworm (1.20%), and T. trichiura (0.4%), all of them being classified as light infections. Single infections (67.95%) are more frequent than multiple infections (32.05%). With this study, schistosomiasis and STH are still endemic in Osun State, but with a light to moderate prevalence and light infection intensity. Urinary infection was the most prevalent, with higher prevalence in children over 10 years. The >10 years age group had the highest prevalence for all of the intestinal helminths. There were no statistically significant associations between gender and age and urogenital or intestinal parasites.

Background: Concomitant parasitic infections are common in the developing world, yet most studies focused on a single parasite in a narrow age group. This study investigated the extent of polyparasitism and co-infections in a rural community in Osun State, Nigeria. Methods: Two hundred and forty-seven consenting individuals consisting of 118 males and 129 females participated in this study. Faecal specimens, venous blood, and skin snips were collected from the participants. The Kato-Katz technique was used to screen the faecal samples for soil-transmitted helminth, while Giemsa-stained blood smears were used for Plasmodium falciparum detection. Skin snips microscopy and haematoxylin-stained blood smears were used to diagnose onchocerciasis and loiasis, respectively. Demographic information was collected from all the participants. Results: The prevalence of P. falciparum, hookworms and Ascaris lumbricoides were 55.9%, 19.4% and 26.3%, respectively. The overall prevalence of the filarial infections was 4.5% for Loa loa microfilaremia, 23.5% for Onchocerca volvulus microfilarial. Thirty-eight per cent of the population harboured at least two parasites concurrently. Females (52.2%) were generally more infected with all the helminths than males (48.8%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.128). For onchocerciasis prevalence, males (29.7%) were more infected than females (17.8%), and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.035). Co-infection of malaria and loiasis was observed in 1.2% of the population (p=0.051), while 13% were co-infected with malaria and onchocerciasis (p=0.903). Co-infection of malaria and hookworm was observed in 10.5% of the population. The overall mean Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of the population was 40.03±5.84, and no significant difference (p=0.224) was observed between PCV and infection status. Also, no significant association (p=0.051) was observed between the age group and infection status. The intensity of the parasites was classified into 1-9, 10-99, 100-149, and 150 and above. Almost all the helminths except Ascaris lumbricoides had a low grade of helminths (1-9). The intensity was more pronounced in Ascaris lumbricoides than in other helminths. A. lumbricoides + P. falciparum co-infection had a higher geometric mean para-sites density (GMPD) value when compared with only P. falciparum infection. There was no significant difference in co-infection of P. falciparum + loa loa, P. falciparum + O .volvulus and P. falciparum + Hookworm with P. falciparum alone. Conclusion: This study confirmed that polyparasitism is still common in rural communities in the study area. The findings can be used to design and implement appropriate intervention strategies to alleviate morbidity and co-morbidity in rural communities.

The overwhelming impact of zoonotic infections and its ease of transmission own to the cohabitation of man and some domestic pets is well recognizable, and though it is most often neglected its deleterious effect permeate every sphere of public health concern. Dog as the closest domestic pet to man presents a potential risk and acts as an agent of such interspecies transmission of infections to him. This study examined excrement of 97 dogs using the Formol- ether concentration technique. Four parasites species were identified with overall prevalence of 68%. Toxocaracanis was seen to be the most prevalent helminth (42.3%). Age (p= 0.002, ꭓ2 = 12.774) and mode of life (p= 0.021, ꭓ2 = 5.317) of the dogs were significant risk factors of helminthic infections, while gender and function of dogs were not. Dogs may play an active role in transmission of zoonotic diseases in the area, given the closeness of infected dogs with humans and the rampant excretion of helminth-infested dog excreta dispersed into the environment, hence, the need for the study.

A longitudinal study was carried out to investigate species composition, seasonal abundance, parity and transmission potential of Simulium damnosum complex in Alabameta community in Osun State, Southwestern, Nigeria. Adult Simulium damnosum complex were collected along Owena River, Alabameta, by two dark complexioned vector collectors from 07:00hr to 18:00hr weekly using collecting tubes from November 2014 to April 2015. The flies were morphologically identified and dissected for the purpose of detecting Onchocerca parasite using dissecting microscope. The Monthly Biting Rate (MBR) of flies was determined using World Health Organization standard formula. A total of four hundred and forty flies were collected during the study period with all of them identified as forest species of Simulium damnosum complex. There was significant variation in monthly collection of the flies with the month of November having the highest number of flies (194) (44%) while the month of April recorded the lowest number of flies (31) (7%) (p<0.05). The morning biting peak (09hr - 11hr) (137) was higher than the evening biting peak (15hr -17hr) (64) (p<0.05) while nulliparous flies (294) (67%) were more abundant than the parous flies (146) (33%) (p<0.05). There was absence of infection (zero infectivity) of the flies (p<0.05). The zero infectivity in the flies may plausibly indicate the possibility of zero transmission of Onchocerca parasite in the community which if sustained over a period of time may signify the possibility of onchocerciasis elimination. Also, the presence of forest species of the flies reduces the risk of resident's intense exposure to blinding savannah strain of onchocerciasis.

Background Coinfections of HIV-positive individuals with Hepatitis B and D virus (HBV and HDV) are common and can be associated with rapid liver damage. Several antiretroviral drugs for HIV exhibit anti-HBV effect; however, the selection of HBV drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in individuals under HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been reported but rarely in Nigeria. In this study the HBV/HDV prevalence and HBV DRMs in HIV-positive individuals in Southwestern Nigeria were assessed. Methods Plasma samples collected from 310 HIV-positive individuals including 295 ART-experienced and 15 ART-naïve persons attending the HIV clinic in three south-western states of Nigeria between June 2017 and August 2017 were analysed by ELISA for HBsAg and anti-HDV. The presence of HDV RNA and HBV DNA was analysed by (RT)-PCR followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analyses for genotyping. The HBV reverse transcription (RT) region was amplified and sequenced for the analysis of drug resistance mutations. Results Overall, 16.1% (n = 50/310) of the HIV-positive individuals were positive for HBsAg, most of which were ART-experienced (94.0%; n = 47/50). From the 50 HBsAg-positive samples, 72.0% (n = 36/50) were positive for HBV DNA and 16.0% (n = 8/50) had detectable HDV RNA while 5.6% (n = 2/36) of the HBV-DNA positive samples had anti-HDV total antibodies. Sequences were available for 31/36 of the HBV DNA-positive and 3/8 HDV RNA-positive samples. HBV DNA-positive samples were characterised as HBV genotype E infections exclusively, while HDV genotype 1 was detected in the HDV RNA-positive samples. HBV DRMs V173L, L180M, S202I and M204V/I, which are associated with lamivudine resistance, were detected in 32.2% (n = 10/31) of the HBV DNA-positive samples. Most of these mutations (90.0%; n = 9/10) were present in the ART-experienced cohort. Conclusions This study indicates that HBV/HDV coinfections are common in HIV-positive individuals under ART in Nigeria. Furthermore, a high proportion of HBV DRMs which potentially compromise future treatment options were detected, underscoring the need for HBV screening prior to starting ART. Further studies should be performed to monitor a possible increase in the spread of HDV among populations at risk of HIV and HBV infections.

BACKGROUND:The risk of co-infection with Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni and the potential harmful effect on morbidity and control is enhanced by the overlapping distribution of both species in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the reported high endemicity of both species in Nigeria, studies on the spread and effect of their mixed infection are limited. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among school children in two communities in South-west Nigeria to investigate the prevalence of mixed human schistosome infection, intensity, and possible ectopic egg elimination. METHODS:Urine and stool samples were collected from consenting school children in Ilie and Ore communities of Osun State, Nigeria. Schistosoma haematobium eggs were detected in urine using the urine filtration technique, while S. mansoni eggs were detected in stool using the Kato-Katz thick smear technique. RESULTS:The study enrolled 466 primary and secondary school children (211; 45.3% males vs. 255; 54.7% females; mean age 11.6 ± 3.16 years). The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 40% (185/466), with 19% (89/466) recording single S. haematobium infection while 9% (41/465) had a single S. mansoni infection. The geometric mean egg count for S. haematobium was 189.4 egg/10ml urine; 95% CI: range 115.9-262.9, while for S. mansoni, it was 115.7 epg; 95% CI: range 78.4-152.9. The prevalence of ectopic S mansoni (S. mansoni eggs in urine) was 4.7%, while no ectopic S. haematobium (S. haematobium eggs in stool) was recorded. Mixed infection of S. haematobium/S. mansoni had a prevalence of 9.5% (44/466). More females (54.5%) presented with S. haematobium/S. mansoni co-infection. For both parasites, males had higher infection intensity, with a significant difference observed with S. haematobium (p = 0.0004). Hematuria was significant in individuals with single S. haematobium infection (p = 0.002), mixed ectopic S. haematobium/S. mansoni (p = 0.009) and mixed S. haematobium/S. mansoni/ectopic S. mansoni (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest the probability of interspecific interactions between S. haematobium and S. mansoni. Scaling up of mass administration of praziquantel and control measures in the study areas is highly desirable.

Background: Urinary schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and remains a major public health problem among school-aged pupils in tropical and subtropical countries. Objective: This study assessed the current status of urinary schistosomiasis among school children in a rural community in Southwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ore Community, Odo-Otin Local Government area in Osun state, Nigeria. Urine specimens were collected from 300 school children, and were processed using sedimentation technique and examined microscopically for the ova of Schistosoma haematobium. Infected participants were treated with oral doses of praziquantel (PZQ) at 40 mg/Kg body weight. The egg reduction rate was used to assess the drug efficacy. The population abundance of the snail intermediate hosts was assessed using hand-held scooping. Cercaria shedding was assessed and species of snails identified based on shell morphology. Data were analysed with the SPSS version 18.0 software Results: A prevalence of 73.3% (19.13±29.13) of urinary schistosomiasis was recorded among the study participants. Male students (52.70%, 9.86±18.33) were more infected than females (47.27%, 19.26±29.13). Prevalence of infection decreases as the age increases with the highest prevalence among the age group 13 to 16 years (66.5%,14.28±26.40) and the lowest among the age group 17 to 21years (62.5%, 7.09±8.13). The 220 Schistosoma haematobium infected children received a single oral dose of 40 mg/kg of PZQ and were followed for 12 weeks. At 4th, 8th and 12th weeks after treatment, the ERR was 65.70%, 82.91% and 100%, consecutively. ERR was significantly higher in children with mild infection compared to those with severe infection. Ninety-nine (90.5%) children were microscopically negative four weeks after treatment. After the second treatment cycle, the cure rate at the 8th and 12th weeks wasv98.60% and 100% sequentially. Three different freshwater snails were obtained from the study area. The percentage distribution of the three snail hosts population is as follows: Bulinus spp (26.0%), Biomphalaria spp. (12.3%) and Oncomelania spp (61.7%). The highest cercariae shedding snail was the Bulinus spp. Conclusion: The results revealed a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among school children with associated impacts on the packed cell volume. The therapeutic potency of PZQ at 40 mg/kg against S. haematobium was re-established.

Human enteroviruses and human parechoviruses are associated with a broad range of diseases and even severe and fatal conditions. For human cosaviruses, the etiological role is yet unknown. Little is known about the circulation of non-polio enteroviruses, human parechoviruses, and human cosaviruses in Nigeria. A total of 113 stool samples were collected from healthy individuals in Osun State between February 2016 and May 2017. RT-PCR assays targeting the 5′ non-coding region (5′ -NCR) were used to screen for human enteroviruses, human parechoviruses, and human cosaviruses. For human enteroviruses, species-specific RT-PCR assays targeting the VP1 regions were used for molecular typing. Inoculation was carried out on RD-A, CaCo-2, HEp-2C, and L20B cell lines to compare molecular and virological assays. Ten samples tested positive for enterovirus RNA with 11 strains detected, including CV-A13 (n = 3), E-18 (n = 2), CV-A20 (n = 1), CV-A24 (n = 1), EV-C99 (n = 1), and EV-C116 (n = 2). Three samples tested positive for human parechovirus RNA, and full genome sequencing on two samples allowed assignment to a new Parechovirus A type (HPeV-19). Thirty-three samples tested positive for cosavirus with assignment to species Cosavirus D and Cosavirus A based on the 5′-NCR region. Screening of stool samples collected from healthy individuals in Nigeria in 2016 and 2017 revealed a high diversity of circulating human enteroviruses, human parechoviruses, and human cosaviruses. Molecular assays for genotyping showed substantial benefits compared with those of cell-culture assays.

Background: Hypertension is a major public health challenge worldwide. It is acknowledged as an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly among the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and pattern of hypertension among the elderly in Osun state, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The study involved 425 respondents aged 60 years and above selected randomly in five local government areas in Osun state. The blood pressure was measured (using a standardized Accoson® type pneumatic mercury sphygmomanometer); weight and height of the respondents were checked and recorded in mmHg, Kg and meters respectively. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, charts and frequency distribution table. Statistical association between categorical variables was assessed using Chi-square method at 5% level of significance.Results: Prevalence of hypertension among elderly was 44.7%. Among other factors, respondents’ body mass index BMI was found significantly associated with hypertension, p=0.009. However, prevalence of hypertension was higher for respondents that were; rural dwellers, female, not living with spouse, without viable source of income and engaging in little or no physical activity compared to their counterparts. Respondent’s BMI and sex were also found to be statistically significantly associated, p=0.011.Conclusions: Prevalence of hypertension was high among the elderly in this study. Health interventions aimed at reducing the diseases should encourage increased physical activities and incorporate financial empowerment schemes particularly for elderly women in rural settings.

Intestinal parasitic infections are among the neglected tropical diseases targeted for elimination by World Health Organization and are also among the most prevalent infections in school children residing in developing countries. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and intensity of intestinal parasites and its contribution to the development of anaemia among primary school children in Lagos State, Nigeria. Nine hundred (900) faecal and blood samples were collected among the school children. Direct saline preparation and formol-ether concentration techniques were used to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and Giemsa-stained blood smears were also used for the identification of Plasmodium falciparum. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and P. falciparum was 55.2% and 8.3% respectively. The prevalence of each intestinal parasite was 2.8% for Trichuris trichiura, 23.7% for Hookworm, 27.7% for Ascaris lumbricoide, and 1.1% for Strongyloides stercoralis. The only co-infection recorded was A. lumbricodes and P. falciparum (1.3%). Hookworm had the highest burden of 14,138.6 mean epg and Trichuris trichiura had the least burden of 84.6 mean epg. While no significant difference was observed between the mean serum ferritin for uninfected (73.70 ±10.41) and infected (73.20 ±8.72) (P = 0.4382), a significant difference was recorded between the mean PCV of uninfected (38.69 ±3.85) and infected school children (37.78 ±5.14) (P = 0.0047). Personal hygiene, public awareness and regular de-worming programme should be sustained as this would reduce the burden of intestinal worm infection among school children.

Background: Malaria has remained a global burden for many centuries. It remains a major public health disease particularly in the tropic despite several interventional efforts targeted at its elimination. Malaria if not treated early enough could result in patients becoming anaemic. In Nigeria, elderly (60 years and above) represent a vulnerable group of individuals, they enjoy very little attention in terms of specific health related interventions and facilities. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and proportion of asymptomatic malaria infections and anaemia among the geriatric population in Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 elderly with average age of 69.14±7.27 years. Blood samples were collected for the preparation of Giemsa stained blood films for the detection and quantification of malaria parasites microscopically. Packed cell volume (PCV) was assessed using hematocrit.Results: Malaria parasites were present in the peripheral blood of 16.2% of the population and only 9.3% of the elderly were found to be anaemic. The ‘Very old’ age group of >85 years years had highest prevalence of malaria (33.3%) but this was not statistically significant (p=0.17). Male respondents (24.4%) were more infected than females (13.7%) and this was found statistically significant (p=0.015). Having malaria parasite and living in the rural areas were significantly associated with being anaemic, p<0.05 in each case.Conclusions: Considerable proportion of asymptomatic elderly individuals with parasitaemia were found anaemic. This group also represents a silent reservoir for malaria transmission in the country, if not addressed.

1 Departments of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria 2 Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria 3 Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Nigeria 4 Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa, Nigeria