ISSN 2320-5407 International Journal of Advanced Research (2015), Volume 3, Issue 12, 933 – 938 933 Journal homepage: http://www.journalijar.com INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH RESEARCH ARTICLE Prevalence of malaria among registered pregnant women attending ante natal centre at Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa, South South Nigeria Uzoh C.V. 1* , Iheukwumere I.H 2 , Onyewenjo S.C 1.Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology PMB 1526 Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. 2.Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University PMB 02 Uli Anambra State, Nigeria. 3. Department of Biology/Microbiology Federal Polytechnic Nekede PMB 1036 Owerri, Imo State. Manuscript Info Abstract Manuscript History: Received: 18 October 2015 Final Accepted: 22 November 2015 Published Online: December 2015 Key words: Malaria, primigravidae, P. falciparum, prevalence, pregnancy *Corresponding Author Uzoh C.V Venule blood samples were collected from 216 pregnant women in different trimesters and age groups receiving ante natal care at Federal medical centre Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and were put in EDTA bottles for analysis. Standard thick and thin smears were made and rapid antigen tests were also used to examine the blood samples. 155(71.8%) were infected with P.falciparum out of 216 pregnant women while 61(28.2%) were not infected. Highest prevalence was observed in the first trimester 98(85.2%) and the third trimester 42(53.3%) had the lowest prevalence. Women within age groups 11-15 were the most infected (100%). Pregnant women with less than 9.1g/dl haemoglobin had the highest prevalence (91.7%) than others with higher levels, while those with low packed cell volume had higher prevalence of malaria parasite (79.1%) than those with normal PCV(66.9%). The study demonstrated high prevalence of malaria and there is urgent need to introduce appropriate intervention strategies geared towards the eradication of the vectors so as to reduce the incidence of malaria to the barest minimum. Most importantly, pregnant women who are the risk population should be properly educated on precautionary measures to take to avoid malaria like the consistent use of Long lasting insecticide treated nets(LLIN) and prompt registration in hospitals for ante natal care. Copy Right, IJAR, 2015,. All rights reserved INTRODUCTION Malaria is a preventable and treatable infectious disease, which is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries causing considerable morbidity and mortality especially in sub Saharan Africa and is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. Four species namely, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. falciparum are responsible for human malaria (Ekanem et al., 1999). The most serious forms of the disease are caused by P. falciparum and this accounts for about 80% morbidity and 90% mortality (Carter et al, 2005; Ekanem et al., 1999). Malaria kills more than one million people every year, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria is a leading cause of death for children under five years and pregnant women (WHO,2008). During pregnancy, a woman’s risk of having infection increases due to changes in her hormone levels and immune system (Ribera, 2007). In all endemic areas, it has been observed that the frequency and severity of malaria increases with pregnancy (Gilles et al., 1984). A woman experiencing her first pregnancy (Primigravida) is especially vulnerable (Brabin, 1999). Symptoms like anaemia, fever, enlargement of the spleen, diarrhea and in some cases, convulsion (Arpita, 2011) are attributed to pregnancy