International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research  |  e-ISSN: 2582-8940  |  Double-Blind Peer Review  |  Open Access  |  CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

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     2026:7/4

International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research

e-ISSN: 2582-8940 | Open Access

Ntoum: A major focus of malaria in Gabon's Estuary province

Bourdettes Meye, Amel Kevin Alame-Emane, Joseph Privat Ondo, Hilaire Moundounga Kenguele, Dieudonné Nkoghe, Louis Clément Obame Engonga

Medical Analysis laboratory of Ntoum Departmental Hospital (NDH), Gabon; Department of Biochemistry, Laboratory of Research in Biochemistry (LAREBIO), University of Sciences and Techniques of Masuku (USTM) Franceville, Gabon; Department of Biology, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology (LABMC), University of Science and Technology of Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon; National Parasitic Disease Control Program (PLMP), Gabon

Article Information

Volume / Issue5 / 2 (April-June 2024)
Pages07-14
AccessOpen Access

Publication Timeline

  • Received15 March 2024
  • Accepted16 April 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: Malaria is a major public health problem in Gabon, and yet in some regions of the country, such as the administrative department of Komo-Mondah, data on malaria are scarce or lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of malaria patients in the commune of Ntoum (Komo-Mondah). 
Methods: Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from 248 patients attending the clinical laboratory of Ntoum departmental hospital using a pre-established data collection form. After blood sampling in an EDTA tube, a haemogram and two blood smears (thin and thick) were performed on each blood sample by a laboratory technician. 
Results: The prevalence of malaria was 78% (194/248), with Plasmodium falciparum identified as the main etiological agent. Those most at risk of malaria were children aged 0-5 years (43%, 83/194) followed by adults older thant 25 years (21%, 41/194), and female (62%, 120/194). Parasitemia ranged from 10 to 210,000 parasites/µL blood, and 73% (140/194) of parasite infections were associated with anemia. Most cases of anemia (83%, 118/140) were mild, 78% (110/140) microcytic anemia of which99 cases were hypochromic anemia. 
Conclusion: This study has provided crucial information for understanding the occurrence of malaria and the infectious complications resulting from malaria infection in the Ntoum region. The data also reveal the absolute necessity of implementing targeted and sustainable health education programs for vulnerable groups. 
 

Keywords

MalariaPlasmodium falciparumNtoumGabon

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How to Cite

Meye, B., Alame-Emane, A. K., Ondo, J. P., Kenguele, H. M., Nkoghe, D., & Engonga, L. C. O. (2024). Ntoum: A major focus of malaria in Gabon's Estuary province. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 5(2), 07-14.

Meye, Bourdettes, et al. "Ntoum: A major focus of malaria in Gabon's Estuary province." International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, vol. 5, no. 2, 2024, pp. 07-14.

Meye, B., Alame-Emane, A. K., Ondo, J. P., Kenguele, H. M., Nkoghe, D. and Engonga, L. C. O. (2024) 'Ntoum: A major focus of malaria in Gabon's Estuary province', International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research, 5(2), pp. 07-14.

Meye B, Alame-Emane AK, Ondo JP, Kenguele HM, Nkoghe D, Engonga LCO. Ntoum: A major focus of malaria in Gabon's Estuary province. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research. 2024;5(2):07-14.

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