The Prevalence of Malaria Infection Among Blood Donors Attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Kaduna, Nigeria

The prevalence of malaria infection among blood donors attending Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika was assessed. Thin blood film using Leishman’s staining technique was used to determine the prevalence of malaria. The result showed that the prevalence of infected donor was 24% which is low. Out of the total 100 blood donors, (80 males and 20 females) screened 24 (24.0% Cl, 95%, 23.0 – 24.0) were infected. Females were more infected (30.0% Cl, 95%, and 25.0 – 34.0) than males 22.5% Cl, 95% 21.0 – 23.0. The infection decrease with age with the highest prevalence of 31.2% among those aged 20 – 25 years. The infection did not significantly vary with age or sex (P<0.05). individuals with blood group B were slightly more infected 26.7% Cl 95% (4.31 – 49.1%) than those of group O (23.4% Cl 95% 12.63 – 34.1%) and A (24.0% Cl 95% 7.25 – 40) and there was a significant difference (P<0.05). Highest prevalence was recorded in the month of September corresponding to the later part of rainy season. And overall of existing blood donation policies in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital to incorporate malaria screening is advocated. Curative antimalarial drug followed by prophylactic drugs should be administered to all recipient of parasitized blood.