THE MAGNITUDE AND PATTERN OF MALARIA IN DISTRICT KOHAT

Background: Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease having a great potential to affect more people if neglected. This study was aimed to know the frequency of its various species, their burden with passage of time and magnitude with each month of the year in the local population. Material & Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from 2004 to 20012 in the District Teaching Hospital of Kohat, Blood was taken from adult patient suspected for malaria for passive case detection. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared on slide and stained with 10% Giemsa solution for microscopic diagnosis in laboratory specified section for malaria. Chloroquine tablets free of cost were given to patients with positive report of malaria. Data was recorded for each month of the year and analyzed at completion of nine years. Study was permitted by the local ethical committee. Results: There were 2578 malaria positive cases out of 31128 (8.28%) samples. Out of positive cases, 1294 were males and 1284 were females. There were 2226 samples positive for Plasmodium (P.) vivax and 325 positive for P. falciparum in the ratio of 86.34 to 13.65 % respectively. No mixed infection was recorded. Malaria remained at peak for June to October. In 2004 to 2009, malaria was in range of 3.8 to 6.45 % but in 2010 and 2011 the slide positivity increased to 10.65 and 14.o6 % respectively. P. falciparum was at peak during September to November. P. vivax predominantly remained in mean of 86.34 % to 13.65% of P. falciparum. In 2010 it reduced to 42.42 % of P. vivax and P. falciparum enhanced to 57.58 %.No case of P. ovale or P. malariae found in slide. No chloroquine resistant was noted. Conclusion: Malaria is on gradual increase in this area but at low magnitude with other areas. P. vivax was more frequent than P. falciparum from 2004 to 2012 except in 2010. Malaria peak months were June to October.