PREVALENCE OF MALARIA PLASMODIUM PARASITE AMONG BLOOD DONORS AT NSUKKA AREA, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Transmission of malaria through blood transfusion potentially negates the progress made in malaria control particularly in malaria endemic regions. This study looks at the prevalence of malaria parasite among blood donors at the Nsukka area of Nigeria. Samples were collected from blood donors attending two health centres in the region. A total of 200 blood samples collected, were examined for the presence of the Plasmodium parasite. Giemsa stained thick and thin blood films were prepared and examined using basic methods for microscopic diagnosis of malaria parasite. Male blood donors accounted for a total of 63 % while 37 % were females. Of the 200 samples examined, 115(57.5%) of them were positive with malaria parasite. About 58% of the male donors were found to be infected while 57% of the females were infected. The study also revealed a high incidence of parasitaemia amongst blood donors with blood group O group and fewer cases with the AB group.