Molecular Epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum Infections Using PCR-based Assays in Jos, Nigeria-cross-sectional Study

Background: Malaria remains a significant health threat globally, with Plasmodium falciparum being the predominant and lethal parasite in Africa. Nigeria is still faced with ongoing cases of asymptomatic malaria, hindering effective control measures.

Aim: The aim was to generate epidemiological data that will provide good background and guide strategies for driving malaria control efforts, research, and resource allocation in the region.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, where the samples were originally collected within about 16 months between October 2019 and January 2021.

Methodology: A cross-sectional molecular epidemiological study was conducted using 136 microscopically screened 2 plus (++) and above positive malarial whole blood samples obtained in EDTA bottles from two hospitals in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The DNA extraction was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions using Zymo Research extraction kits. Plasmodium genus and Plasmodium falciparum were detected in the samples using the PCR method and gel electrophoresis.

Results: In the results, using PCR techniques, 47.8% (65/136) of the total malaria-positive samples collected were confirmed for the presence of the Plasmodium genus. Out of these 65 positive samples, 63 were found to be Plasmodium falciparum.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Plasmodium falciparum remains the predominant malaria species in Jos, Plateau State, comprising approximately 96.9% (63/65) of the malarial cases. This indicates that only about 3% of malaria cases affecting the residents of Jos, Plateau State might be caused by the other four species of malaria parasites (Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi).