Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

Abstract

Environmental Factors and Preventive Methods against Malaria Parasite Prevalence in Rural Bomaka and Urban Molyko, Southwest Cameroon

Helen Kuokuo Kimbi, Yannick Nana, Irene Ngole Sumbele, Judith K Anchang-Kimbi, Emmaculate Lum, Calvin Tonga, Malaika Nweboh and Leopold G Lehman

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Cameroon. This work was aimed at determining the influence of environmental factors and control measures on malaria parasite prevalence, and anaemia in pupils in rural Bomaka and urban Molyko, Southwest Cameroon. A total of 303 pupils (174 and 129 from Bomaka and Molyko, respectively), aged 4-15 years were studied. Information on demographic data, environmental and anti-malarial measures was recorded. Malaria was diagnosed from Giemsa-stained blood smears. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) was determined. The overall malaria parasite prevalence was 33.0%, and children from Bomaka had a significantly higher value (38.51%) than those from Molyko (25.58%). Malaria parasite prevalence was significantly higher in males and highest in children aged ≤ 6 years. Overall location, age and stagnant water were associated with malaria parasite prevalence. Although malaria parasite prevalence was higher in pupils who had bushes around their homes, lived in plank houses, and did not use Insecticide Residual Spraying (IRS), the differences were, however, not significant. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 14.0%, with the ≤ 6 years old pupils having the highest anaemia prevalence. Parasite density was significantly higher in anaemic ((1369, CI=504.25-2511.89) than non-anaemic children ((507, CI=313.74-603.32). A combination of environmental and preventive measures (especially in rural areas) as well as community participation will reduce malaria transmission