Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Plasmodium falciparum Dual Infection amongst Residents of Kaduna South in North Western Nigeria
U. O. Edet *
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Obong University, Obong Ntak, Etim Ekpo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
R. U. B. Ebana
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Obong University, Obong Ntak, Etim Ekpo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
C. A. Etok
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
L. C. Nwamuo
Deparment of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Obong University, Obong Ntak, Etim Ekpo LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The possibility of co-infection between malaria and HIV in Nigeria is of tremendous public health concern. The study was designed to investigate the prevalence of malaria and HIV dual infection. A total of one hundred and fifty persons (150) showing signs and symptoms of malaria and HIV were recruited for this study following informed consent. Socio-demographic and predisposing factors were evaluated using open ended structured questionnaires. Malaria was diagnosed using Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films while antibodies to HIV type 1 and 2 HIV were detected using Abbott DetermineTM. A total of 85 participants (56.67%) were females while 65(43.33%) were males. Awareness to the etiological agents of malaria and HIV was 89(59.33%) and 65(43.33%), respectively. Out of the 150 participants, 83(55.33%) tested positive while 67(44.67%) tested negative to HIV, respectively and this was not significant (P = 0.40). The prevalence of malaria was 67(44.67%) and was not significant (P = 0.40). The prevalence of malaria and HIV co-infection was 53(63.86%). Although the prevalence of the dual infection was high, it was not significant (p = 0.50). There should be an integration of both HIV and malaria control and prevention programmes in the states and country at large.
Keywords: Prevalence, HIV, malaria, Kaduna and dual infection