DOI: 10.11648/j.ajbls.20261403.13 ISSN: 2330-880X

Prevalence of Plasmodium Species and Associated Risk Factors Among Patients in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Bernardin Ahouty, Siriki Simaro, Ahou Kouame-Yoboue, Ouangbo Ouattara, Dago Ornella, Georges Kassi, Ble Yao, Allepo Abe, Kassi N’djetchi, Abla Sokouri, Yao Koffi, Thomas Konan, Mathurin Koffi
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In Côte d’Ivoire, malaria remains a major public health concern due to its persistent and high transmission. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium species and associated risk factors among 179 patients in Daloa. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Regional Center for Mutuality and Social Welfare in the School Environment (CREMOSS) of Daloa. Malaria diagnosis was performed using both microscopy and molecular biology techniques (PCR). The prevalence of malaria was 37.98% by microscopy compared with 54.18% by PCR, highlighting an underestimation of infections by conventional diagnostic methods. Plasmodium falciparum was the predominant species; however, other species such as P. ovale , P. malariae , and P. vivax were also detected, including mixed infections. Children aged 6 to 15 years showed the highest prevalence, with a significantly greater risk of infection compared to adults (OR = 2.19; p = 0.029). The non-use of insecticide-treated bed nets was associated with an increased risk of infection, while fever appeared to be a strong predictive factor for malaria (OR = 4.83; p < 0.001). These findings confirm the high circulation of malaria in the study area and emphasize the importance of molecular tools in improving the detection of submicroscopic infections and non-falciparum species. They also highlight the need to strengthen prevention and surveillance strategies, particularly targeting school-aged children in malaria-endemic areas.

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