| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2014 | Volume
: 16
| Issue : 1 | Page : 1-4 |
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Prevalence of malaria parasitemia using rapid diagnostic test among apparently healthy children in Kano, Nigeria
Zainab Gobir, Zainab Tukur
Department of Biological Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
Zainab Gobir
Department of Biological Science, Bayero University, Kano
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2276-7096.132566
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Introduction: Malaria remains the highest cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Early diagnosis is therefore essential for treatment and management of the disease. The objective of this study is to determine malaria prevalence in some children in Kano Metropolis using rapid diagnostic test (RDT).
Methodology: 210 households were administered with a structured questionnaire and blood samples were collected from 85 children, while 125 children were non compliance. For each of these children, rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit {Smart Check Malaria P.f cassette (Globalemed, 1101 King St. Suite 370, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA)} was used, using blood obtained from a finger prick.
Result: Blood sample obtained from 85 children showed that 26 (30.59%) were positive and 59 (69.41%) were negative. The age of the children range from 1-5 years and there were 40 males (38.46%) 45 females (61.54%). The prevalence of malaria is high among the respondents.
Conclusion: The majority of the respondents sought treatment from health facilities. However, few children got treatment from chemist and at home or did not get treatment for malaria. Children should be advised to seek treatment whenever they have malaria from health facility. This is to ensure that the treatment given is appropriate. |
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