Geographic Variation in Plasmodium Infection Intensity and Species Distribution among Children under Five: Evidence from Four Slums of Gombe State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1014-5829Keywords:
Geographic Variation, Malaria, Plasmodium Falciparum, Plasmodium Malariae, Community Epidemiology, Parasite Density, Children Under Five, Sub-Saharan AfricaAbstract
Background: Malaria transmission is geographically heterogeneous, even within small areas sharing similar climatic conditions. Understanding how infection intensity and Plasmodium species composition vary across communities is essential for rational targeting of malaria control resources. Objective: This study examined whether significant differences in malaria parasite seen (MPS) and Plasmodium species distribution exist across four communities among children under five years of age, between November 2024 to February 2026. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolled 1,162 children under five from Dawaki (n = 272), Tabra Galdimari (n = 296), TudunHatsi (n = 294), and ZirinGaza (n = 300). Blood smear microscopy assessed parasite density (MPS) and identified Plasmodium species. Pearson chi-square tests and Cramer's V evaluated the association between study location and each infection outcome. Results: Highly significant associations were found between location and MPS (χ²(9) = 344.76, p < .001, V = .314) and location and Plasmodium species (χ²(6) = 384.83, p < .001, V = .407). Tudun Hatsi exhibited the highest moderate parasitaemia burden (92.9%) with no high-density infections, while Tabra Galdimari had the highest negativity rate (44.3%) and greatest proportion of high-density infections (6.4%). P. malariae was detected exclusively in Dawaki (25.0% of that site's sample)and absent from all other communities. Conclusion: Substantial and statistically meaningful geographic variation in malaria infection intensity and species composition exists across adjacent communities. These findings support site-specific malaria surveillance and targeted intervention strategies rather than uniform regional approaches.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Godnear Ogadimma Ibeh, Godly Chessed, Muhammad Abdul Qadeer, Oluwasanumi Adedimeji Adepoju, Abba Ezra
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