Work

Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum and HBV coinfections among inmates at Owo Correctional Facility, Nigeria

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Background Malaria and hepatitis B are significant public health infections in Nigeria. Coinfection with both pathogens is common where both diseases are endemic. Epidemiological surveys are essential for determining the burden of diseases and possible coinfection with multiple pathogens in vulnerable populations. There has been a lack of reports on HBV/malaria coinfection, particularly among marginalized groups in Ondo State. Thus, we used malaria microscopy and the HBsAg serological test to examine the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitemia and HBV infections respectively among inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Center in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. Results Out of the 126 prisoners and staff members who were evaluated, 20.6% and 7.9% tested positive for malaria and HBV infections, respectively. It was discovered that 1.6% of the individuals were coinfected with malaria and HBV. Plasmodium falciparum was the only malaria species recovered in malaria-infected individuals. Except for HBV, where gender was found to differ considerably with the proportion of HBV infection, variations in single infections with either pathogen did not vary with demographic characteristics. Conclusion We suggest that the prison system should be considered in healthcare programs to improve the health of inmates.

Source: Bulletin of the National Research Centre/Bulletin of the National Research Center

DOI: 10.1186/s42269-024-01253-8

Authors: Oluwaremilekun Grace Ajakaye, Abiola A. Omidele

Institutions: Adekunle Ajasin University, Federal Medical Centre

Language: English

Topic: Malaria Research and Control

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402901166