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.