Plasmodium falciparum Malaria and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection among Students of Tertiary Institution (FUTA) Nigeria
Anu I. Ogundayomi *
Parasitology and Public Health Unit, Department of Biology, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 704, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Plasmodium falciparum Malaria and Hepatitis B virus infections have been a major public health challenge particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where both diseases are endemic. Malaria, transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito, continues to be a major global health concern with P. falciparum being the most virulent species. HBV causes mortality annually and is responsible for serious morbidities such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. This study examines the prevalence of malaria, HBV and their co-infection among students of Federal University of Technology Akure, as a Tertiary institution in Nigeria.
Study Design: A cross-sectional design was employed to determine the prevalence and co-infection of malaria and hepatitis B virus, by random sampling of students in tertiary institution (FUTA).
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in FUTAkure Ondo State between August and October, 2024.
Methodology: 746 Undergraduate students were randomly selected for questionnaire administration. 300 blood samples were collected from those who voluntarily consented to be tested for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum and HBV using rapid diagnostic kits (RDTs) respectively.
Results: An overall prevalence of 17.3% (52) and 3.7% (11) prevalence was recorded for malaria and HBV among sampled population. Plasmodium falciparum Malaria was found to be significantly higher among age group 20-24 and 30-34 (P<0.05, P=0.026). A higher prevalence of P. falciparum Malaria (29%) was recorded among females when compared to male counterparts (23%). Although, the females were 10% less infected with HBV as opposed the males. Co-infection exist between P. falciparum Malaria and HBV in the study population, even though there is no significant statistical relationship between infections
Conclusion: The few positive cases of HBV is an indication of consciousness of sexual health; however the presence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria still calls for better public health awareness among students of tertiary institutions on the importance of good hygiene practice, adequate ITN usage, safe sex and conscious avoidance of sharing personal items, such as razors, shaving sticks and toothbrushes. Hence, efforts should be intensified to forestall future possibilities of severe HBV and malaria infection.
Keywords: Malaria, Hepatitis-B, co-infection, tertiary institutions, Plasmodium falciparum, prevalence