Frequency of Severe malaria associated with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum among pregnant women and children in Pawe Hospital, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, North Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Malaria is still a top public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and causes significant mortality and morbidity every year. Majority of deaths due to severe malaria complications occur in sub-Sahara Africa among biologically risked groups. Thus, this study was designed to assess the incidence of severe malaria syndromes among children less than ten years and pregnant women in Pawe hospital, Benishangulgumuz region, Northwestern Ethiopia. Children aged <10yearsand pregnant women, seeking medication for malaria infection during the study period in the hospital were recruited for the study. Socio-demographic characteristics, physical, hematological parameters and clinical features of uncomplicated and complicated malaria were assessed following standard parasitological, and clinical procedure. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical soft ware. Chi-square test was the main statistical test employed to compare variables and significant level was considered at P<0.05.During the study period, a total of 384(children<10 years, n=263, and pregnant women n=121) were malaria positive. Of these 200 and 89 children and pregnant women were infected with Plasmodium falciparum respectively. The rest were positive for P. vivax and mixed infections. Most severe malaria symptoms such as respiratory distress, persistent vomiting, splenomegaly, and confusion were significantly higher (P<0.05) among children, while severe anemia, hyperparasitemia, prostration, and Hemoglobinuria were commonly encountered among malaria infected pregnant women. Most of the severe malaria complications were also appeared with P. vivax infected children and pregnant women. The study revealed that significant number of children and pregnant women assessed were developed severe life threatening malaria complications. This urge prompt early detection and effective treatment to reduce death associated with malaria in the study site.