Impact of asymptomatic malaria
its implication in sports among students of international secondary school,michael okpara university of agriculture,umudike,abia state,nigeria
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Impact of asymptomatic malaria
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: its implication in sports among students of international secondary school,michael okpara university of agriculture,umudike,abia state,nigeria
Original source:
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Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Obarezi Thompson Ndubuisi, Anaebo Braxton Queen N,, Odo Edward Odogbu, Ogbu Robert Okechukwu, Achigbo Loveth Uche
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
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Full text available for: Impact of asymptomatic malaria
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa. Asymptomatic malaria is a substantial obstacle in controlling the disease effectively, as it contributes to the reservoir of parasites and continues the cycle of transmission without presenting clinical symptoms. This study investigates the prevalence and impact of asymptomatic malaria among students of the International Secondary School, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, and its implications for their health and sports performance.
Impact on Sports Performance
Asymptomatic malaria adversely affects students' sports performance due to the reduction in oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Infected students fatigued more quickly and performed poorly in physical activities such as soccer compared to their non-infected counterparts. The presence of asymptomatic malaria leads to haematological abnormalities and anemia, which impair physical capabilities and overall health, affecting both academic and athletic performance.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Malaria
The study found that 44.4% of the students were infected with asymptomatic malaria, with 67% of these infected individuals being female. This prevalence is higher than in other studies conducted in different regions of Nigeria, indicating a significant burden of asymptomatic malaria among the students at this location.
Diagnostic and Preventative Measures
Diagnosis of asymptomatic malaria is challenging due to the lack of clinical symptoms. The study emphasizes the need for routine malaria tests in endemic areas to identify and treat these hidden infections. Malaria diagnosis typically relies on blood smear examinations using light microscopy, which is the gold standard but labor-intensive. The importance of accurate diagnosis and avoiding indiscriminate use of anti-malaria drugs is crucial to prevent drug resistance and ensure effective treatment.
Conclusion
The study reveals a high prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among school children, which impacts their physical and academic performance. Routine testing and proper education about malaria treatment are essential to mitigate this issue. Addressing asymptomatic malaria is crucial for reducing the overall malaria burden and transmission in endemic regions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Impact of asymptomatic malaria”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Agriculture:
Agriculture - Agriculture is mentioned in the context of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture located in Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. This institution is the setting for the study, particularly involving students of its International Secondary School. The school and university health services are central to the research on asymptomatic malaria among the student population here.
2) Blood:
Blood - Blood samples are crucial to the study as they are collected from students for testing malaria infections. The tests include thick and thin blood films stained with Giemsa stain, viewed under light microscopes to detect malaria parasites. Hematocrit values are also measured from these blood samples to analyze the impact of the infection.
3) Drug:
Drug - The research emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis before administering anti-malaria drugs. Indiscriminate drug use can lead to resistance, worsening malaria control efforts. It suggests that properly treating identified malaria reservoirs and educating caregivers on prudent drug use can mitigate the risks and transmission of asymptomatic malaria.
4) Discussion:
Discussion - The 'Discussion' section of the text interprets the study's results, indicating higher prevalence of asymptomatic malaria among females, and correlates hematocrit levels with performance decline in sports among affected children. Comparing findings to previous studies, it calls for routine malaria testing, accurate diagnoses, and controlled drug use to manage malaria.
5) Coma:
Coma - Coma is discussed as one of the extreme symptoms of severe malaria. Although the study focuses on asymptomatic malaria, it underscores the potential severity of the disease, noting that untreated malaria can escalate from mild symptoms like fever and headache to severe complications, including coma or death, highlighting the importance of control measures.