Comparative Plasmodium falciparum incidences and prevalence in given talukas of Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, India - A study report of year 2014-2023

Abstract

Across the world the severity of Malaria is increasing many folds. As per estimate not less than 216 million humans are at a risk of infection. Since India is a largest population country in World and contributes maximum for malaria spread with highly variable environment it possesses. Present study carried out in the dense forest area of India known as Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra state. Here Gadchiroli district has been divided into 12 talukas/blocks which are having highly variable environmental conditions, economical background, and ease of transportation, education background and medical facility. We have carried out data recording of villages having fever and suspected of malaria for the prevalence rate of Plasmodium falciparum (PF) per public health center. The data was recorded via staff members of public health centers during ten years of survey by taking blood smear slide analysis. During survey the rate of prevalence of PF per year in each taluka of Gadchiroli has been showcased which has given us clear picture of how malaria control program is working in each taluka.
In result, Gadchiroli district once grouped into 12 talukas/blocks and screened for malaria cases especially reported for PF cases. It has been primarily observed that nearly all talukas were highly infected with PF during year 2014 and 2015 and that infection rate continuously decreasing during preceding years. In another observation the incidences of PF remained significantly varied during years in each taluka and can be related to environmental conditions. Lastly our study put forward that increasing order of PF cases recorded as per taluka with its maximum cases in any year of analysis as Wadsa ( 1.4 ± 4.5 cases of PF), > Armori (2.7 ± 5.2), > Charmoshi (5.1±1.2), >Gadchiroli(5.4±10), > Mulchera (7.9±12), >Sironcha(8.0±9.8), >Kurkheda(9.3±20), >Korchi(19±31), >Aheri(19±32), >Dhanora(23±58), >Ettapalli (38±44) and Bhamragarh(41±94). Thus, it has been observed that although PF prevalence is decreasing in Gadchiroli and their given talukas still surveillance is advised on regular basis since the place is vulnerable for spread of PF.
Keyword:- Gadchiroli, Malaria, Plasmodium falcipurum, Talukas.