Short Term Outcome of Malaria at Rwanda Level 2 Hospital Bria in Central African Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Malaria has been recognized as a disease affecting peacekeeping forces serving in malaria endemic countries. We wanted to determine the short term outcome of malaria at Rwanda Level 2 hospital.

Methods: Malaria cases were prospectively reviewed and followed at Rwanda Level 2 hospital Bria in Central African Republic from 4th April to 14th July 2017. Clinical, laboratory, treatment and short outcome findings were analyzed.

Results: Patients (102 in subjects) with positive rapid diagnostic test and blood smear were reviewed, prevalence rate was 14.97%, mean age of 37.77±8.39 years and male presented with 91.20%, male sex ratio of 10:1. Headaches, body weakness, joint aches, muscle aches, chills and fever presented respectively 98%, 89.20%. 84.30%, 81.40%, 61.80% and 49%. Digestive symptoms were presente anorexia, nausea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting 41.20%, 37.20%, 31.40% and 8.80% respectively. Plasmodium falciparum was found in 98%, associated with vivax in 1% and isolated vivax in 1%. High parasitemia of 1 to 10 parasites per thick field and more was found in 8.80%. Malaria recurrence rate was 13.70% with a duration period mean of 38.92 days (range 20-82 days). 35.71% had recurrent within thirty days. 82.40% of patients received tablets Artemether-lumefanthrine. This High parasitemia was associated respectively with nausea p=0.013, OR=5.9, 95% (1.3 - 26.93) and anorexia p=0.003 OR=11.43, 95% (1.43-87.99). Clinical and laboratory findings post treatment showed a strong statistical association.

Conclusion: Malaria is prevalent at Bria; multitudes of symptoms and sign have been documented. Post treatment clinical and laboratory findings showed efficacy of treatment.