Morphological, Serological and Molecular Based Studies on Plasmodium Species in Different Tertiary Care Hospitals of Quetta, Balochistan Research Article
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Abstract
Malaria remains a major public health challenge in many regions of the world, including Pakistan. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and identify Plasmodium species in Quetta City, Balochistan, using samples collected from various tertiary care hospitals during summer 2023. A total of 135 malaria-suspected patients were enrolled and categorized into three age groups: G1 (1–15 years), G2 (16–40 years), and G3 (above 40 years). The sample size remained limited due to the high cost of PCR primers, CBC tests, RDT kits, and the short malaria transmission season. Overall, 32 patients (23.7%) were confirmed positive for malaria. The prevalence rates were 11.11% in G1, 46.66% in G2, and 13.33% in G3. Species distribution showed Plasmodium vivax as the most prevalent (62.5%, n=20), followed by Plasmodium falciparum (25%, n=8), and mixed infections (12.5%, n=4). Three diagnostic methods were used: PCR, RDT, and microscopy with staining. All 32 positive samples were detected by PCR (100% accuracy), 27 by microscopy (84.37%), and 30 by RDT (93.75%). The findings highlight the persistent malaria burden in Quetta and emphasize the need for precise diagnostic tools to determine species-specific malaria prevalence. These results may support improved malaria control and prevention strategies in Balochistan.
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