The prevalence of malaria in an endemic area of Bangladesh.

Abstract

Of 819 patients with fever examined at a rural health complex in Kaptai, Rangmati district, southeastern Bangladesh, 389 (48.1{%}) were slide-positive for malaria. Of these, 278 (71.5{%}) were infected with Plasmodium falciparum and 111 (28.5{%}) with P. vivax. The highest prevalence was in the age group 5 to 9 years (58.6{%}). Splenomegaly was found more frequently in children than in adults. A study of occupational groups showed that malaria was most common among woodcutters. Forest dwellers in general had a significantly higher malaria positivity rate than those living in non-forested areas. Indigenous tribal people had a significantly lower prevalence of infection than did Bengalee settlers. Illiteracy and low income were associated with a higher prevalence of malaria.