article · American Journal of Clinical Pathology
A cross-sectional study of 184 febrile patients aged 1 to 75 in Osogbo, Nigeria, evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of malaria and toxoplasmosis co-infections. Using thick blood film examinations and ELISA testing, the study found that 72.8 percent of participants had malaria and 31 percent were positive for Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies. Notably, 27.2 percent of the patients experienced co-infection, which was most prevalent in children aged 1 to 10 years. Malaria infection was significantly associated with living in waterlogged areas and not using insecticide-treated nets, while exposure to stray cats was linked to Toxoplasma gondii sero-positivity. The high rate of co-infection highlights the need for integrated screening and preventive strategies. The findings suggest that febrile patients, particularly young children, should be screened for toxoplasmosis alongside receiving targeted health education on hygiene and vector control.
Malaria and toxoplasmosis are major health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa that can exacerbate each other through shared risk factors and immune system impacts. Understanding their co-infection rates, especially in vulnerable groups like young children, helps healthcare providers design better diagnostic protocols. This research highlights the importance of integrated screening and targeted community health education to reduce the burden of both diseases.
The abstract does not indicate a direct commercialisation pathway or product development. However, the findings could inform public health organisations and diagnostic kit manufacturers about the clinical utility of integrated, dual-screening diagnostic tools for malaria and toxoplasmosis in endemic regions. This represents early-stage epidemiological research that could eventually guide the deployment of combined rapid diagnostic tests for clinics treating febrile children.
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Abstract Introduction/Objective Malaria and Toxoplasmosis are two parasitic infectious diseases with great endemicity in Sub- Saharan Africa. Although shared risk factors and immune modulation may exacerbate the co-infection to a greater extent, yet local epidemiological data remain limited. Malaria is an acute and chronic disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, and transmitted principally through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Toxoplasmosis, a disease caused by intracellular protozoa, Toxoplasma gondii, which is one of the world’s most common parasitic infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and Toxoplasma gondii co-infection, sero-prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM among the febrile patients and determine associated risk factors. Methods/Case Report A cross sectional study of 184 febrile patients aged 1-75 years was carried out in three hospitals located at Osogbo. Malaria parasite was detected using thick blood film examination of venous blood, while Toxoplasma gondii IgG and IgM antibodies were detected via ELISA. Detailed questionnaires were administered to gather demographic data and information on exposure to possible risk factors. Analysis of data was carried out using SPSS v 20, Chi-square test (p < 0.05) was performed to determine significant associations. Results Out of 184 participants enrolled in this study, 134(72.8%) were positive for malaria which included 4 pregnant women. Whereas, 57(31%) participants were anti-T. gondii IgG positive, only 25(13.6%) participants were anti-T. gondii IgM positive. Meanwhile 50(27.2%) participants had co-infection of toxoplasmosis and malaria, predominantly in children aged 1–10 years. Relevant associations were found with malaria parasite infection in non-users of an insecticide-treated net (p = 0.000) and those living in water logged areas (p = 0.005). Stray cat exposure was associated with Toxoplasma gondii sero-positivity (p = 0.002). Conclusion This study showed a considerable prevalence of co-infection of toxoplasmosis and malaria, and significantly high overall prevalence of toxoplasmosis, and malaria. The age group 1-10 years was identified as risk group for both infections, and the study revealed high prevalence of both infections in the study population. The risk group as shown by this study for co-infections could be suggestive of congenital transmission of toxoplasmosis, care-free attitude to life of children of this age range. Also, the study supports the fact that malaria is still a threat to children in Nigeria as adult might have developed a higher immunity to malaria as a result of repeated infections. High rate of co-infection necessitate need for screening and preventive strategies that are integrated. It is recommended to screen for toxoplasmosis in febrile patients, especially among children. With targeted health education on specific improved hygiene and vector control in endemic areas.
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DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaf121.331
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