MAMEH, Emmanuel Ojochegbe and Covenant University, Theses Masters (2024) DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE GENE MUTATIONS IN Plasmodium falciparum AMONG SYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS IN OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA. Masters thesis, Covenant University.
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Abstract
Malaria significantly impacts global populations, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where Plasmodium falciparum predominates. The spread of drug-resistant parasites encoded with dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) gene complicates treatment, necessitating strategies for effective disease management and control. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum infection and patterns of dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) gene mutations among symptomatic patients in healthcare centers in Ota, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional study design with random sampling, blood samples were collected from a total of 300 symptomatic subjects diagnosed of malaria. Thin and thick blood films were prepared and examined microscopically for malaria parasite detection and speciation. Parasitemia was determined and Plasmodium falciparum was genotyped for Pfdhfr genes using standard methods. Genotyped Pfdhfr blood samples were sequenced and analysed for clonal diversity with global genotyped strains. Of the samples collected, 132 (44%) were positive for P. falciparum with a higher rate observed in males 71(52.2%) than females 61(37.2%). The age group 11-20 years had the significant high infection rates 58(68.2%) while population >60years had the least 5(20.8%) (p<0.05). Genotyped Pfdhfr among Plasmodium falciparum positive cases were 34.8% (46/132), with higher rates observed in 21-30 years (7.6%) and lowest in population >60 years (2.2%). Pfdhfr encoded strains from this study clustered with strains identified in Sudan, Nepal, China, and Nigeria. This study highlights the prevalence of P. falciparum with Pfdhfr gene mutations among the study population. There is need for continuous surveillance and targeted interventions to manage and control malaria, particularly among younger age groups.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Plasmodium falciparum, Pfdhfr gene, Malaria, Prevalence, Parasitemia |
| Subjects: | Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology Q Science > QM Human anatomy |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Patricia Nwokealisi |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Sep 2024 12:56 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Sep 2024 12:56 |
| URI: | http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/18471 |
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