Immunochromatographic and Demographic Based Evaluation of Plasmodium Species in Reported Data to Various Clinical Setups in Distract Karak, Pakistan

Abstract

Malaria is a serious public health problem, mainly in the ecological and socioeconomically determined regions. Presently, the area is affected by the occurrence of the disease, though the level of infection in specific tehsils and different age-distribution groups remains elusive. The current research aimed to determine the frequency of malaria-positive cases, identify the prevalent species of Plasmodium, and establish the correlation of infection with the tehsils, age, and sex in District Karak. The cross-sectional study was conducted in the tertiary care hospitals of Karak, Takht-e-Nasrati, and Banda Daud Shah, which are type-C Tehsil Headquarters. In total, 53,767 patient records were assessed, and rapid diagnostic tests for malaria were conducted using immunochromatographic analysis. The data were analyzed using R software, applying the descriptive statistical procedure. Out of 53,767 patients, 7,983 were diagnosed with malaria. The highest number of positive cases was reported in Tehsil Karak (4,442), followed by Banda Daud Shah (2,005) and Takht-e-Nasrati (1,536). Moreover, P. vivax was the prevalent species of Plasmodium in all three tehsils, whereas P. falciparum and mixed infections were rare. In addition, more positive cases were detected among the male population than among the female population. The majority of infected patients were aged 21–40, while those aged 61–70 was the least affected. Malaria causes a significant health burden in District Karak, with the highest number of cases reported in Tehsil Karak, whereas P. vivax is the prevalent malaria parasite species. Notably, people aged 21–40 years and the male population are at higher risk of malaria infection. Thus, it is essential to implement proper monitoring and surveillance mechanisms and provide timely treatment for patients. In addition, it is vital to organize the relevant health and administrative authorities to launch the appropriate malaria prevention and control strategies.

Keywords: Malaria; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium falciparum; Rapid diagnostic test