Prevalence of Malaria and Plasmodium Parasite Speciation in Selected Local Government Areas of Gombe North, Gombe State, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, driven by sustained transmission 
intensity, the emergence of antimalarial drug resistance, and the circulation of multiple 
Plasmodium species. This study evaluated the prevalence of malaria and the distribution of 
Plasmodium species in Gombe, Kwami, and Funakaye Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Gombe 
North Senatorial District, Nigeria. A cross-sectional epidemiological study design was 
employed across the three LGAs. A total of 1,152 participants were screened for Plasmodium 
infection using standard parasitological procedures. Thick and thin blood smears were 
prepared, stained, and microscopically examined for malaria parasite detection and species 
identification. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with 
statistical significance established at p < 0.05. The overall malaria prevalence across the study 
area was 62.41%, with significant spatial variation among the LGAs (χ² = 10.61, p = 0.005). 
Kwami LGA recorded the highest prevalence rate (69.01%), followed by Funakaye (60.16%) 
and Gombe LGA (58.07%). Although malaria infection was prevalent across all age categories, 
the highest burden was observed among children aged 0–10 years and individuals aged 16–20 
years; however, age-associated differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.182). 
Gender-based analysis revealed significantly higher infection rates among males (67.34%) 
compared to females (57.95%) (χ² = 10.74, p = 0.001). Plasmodium falciparum was the 
predominant species, accounting for 92.71% of infections, whereas P. malariae (3.39%), P. 
ovale (2.26%), and P. vivax (0.69%) occurred at comparatively lower frequencies. The findings 
demonstrate sustained malaria transmission in Gombe North and underscore the urgent need 
for strengthened malaria control strategies, improved treatment compliance, enhanced 
vector management, and continuous epidemiological surveillance.