Asymptomatic falciparum malaria and genetic polymorphisms of Pfcrt K76T and Pfmdr1 N86Y among almajirai in northeast Nigeria.

Introduction: Malaria remains a public health challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where asymptomatic malaria is not uncommon. In the present study, the prevalence of asymptomatic falciparum malaria was investigated in almajirai, and the genetic polymorphisms of chloroquine (CQ) resistance biomarkers were assessed.

Methodology: A total of 440 apparently healthy almajirai between 3 and 12 years of age were randomly enrolled in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, between July and December 2010.