Abstract
Aim: Our objective was to determine the frequencies of Plasmodium falciparum and compare the efficiency of various methods used for the diagnosis of P. falciparum in Jazan area.
Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in September to December 2017 in Jazan Area. We collected the specimens from the three medical centres in Jazan for the identification of P. falciparum. A total of 249 samples were processed using microscopic and serological techniques. The data was collected using a questionnaire.
Results: A total of 249 peripheral blood samples were taken from for the diagnosis of P. falciparum. The overall incidence of P. falciparum from three healthcare facilities in Jazan found to be 2.4%. Majority of the cases were recorded at the Jazan hospital (3.6%). The majority of the positive cases were detected among the male patients 4(66.7%). The study indicated that the predominantly all of the positive cases had fever and vomiting. The two diagnostic tests, microscopy and serology found to be equally useful in the diagnosis of positive cases of P. falciparum.
Conclusion: The detection of malarial cases in the recent year in Jazan area is worrisome. Both of the techniques microscopy and serology can be used in the prompt diagnosis of malaria.