Investigation of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Malaria Infection and the Associated Risk Factors among Patients Attending Tertiary Hospital, Nigeria

Malaria is a public health problem in Nigeria and other developing countries. It is endemic in Nigeria, for which reason individuals are constantly exposed to it, with many of the cases presenting symptomatically or asymptomatically. This study aims to establish an association between the prevalence of asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria with risk factors in order to help develop strategies for management. In this study, blood samples were collected; from apparently healthy individuals and patients having symptoms of malaria attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa stain observed microscopically. Parasite densities were estimated on positive slides. The prevalence of Plasmodium infection among asymptomatic participants in this study was 15.6%. Type of housing, amongst other risk factors, was one of the factors significantly associated with malaria in this study. The study emphasizes the use of treated mosquito bed nets to further reduce the incidence of malaria.