title: Asymptomatic Malaria among Blood Donors in Benin City Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors for asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and anemia among blood donors in a private medical laboratory in Benin City, Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  Venous blood was collected from a total of 247 blood donors. Malaria status, ABO, Rhesus blood groups and hemoglobin concentration of all participants were determined using standard methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infection was higher among commercial blood donors than volunteer group (commercial vs volunteer donor: 27.5 %vs. 13.8%; OR = 2.373, 95% CI = 0.793, 7.107, P = 0.174). Asymptomatic malaria was not significantly affected by gender (P = 0.733), age (P = 0.581), ABO (P = 0.433) and rhesus blood groups (P = 0.806) of blood donors. Age was observed to significantly (P = 0.015) affect malaria parasite density with donors within the age group of 21-26 years having the highest risk. The prevalence of anemia was significantly higher among commercial donors (commercial vs volunteer donors: 23.4% vs 3.4%: OR = 8.551, 95% CI = 1.135, 64.437, P = 0.013) and donors of blood group O type (P = < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia and anemia was higher among commercial donors than voluntary donors. Mandatory screening of blood donors for malaria parasite is advocated to curb transfusion transmitted malaria and associated sequelae.
authors: Dept. of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Igbinedion University, Okada, Nigeria.
authors: Bankole Henry
authors: BH
authors: Oladeinde
authors: School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B 1111, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Omoregie
authors: Dept. of Pathology, Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, Nigeria.
authors: Eguagie Osareniro
authors: EO
authors: Osakue
authors: Luli Medical Laboratories, Benin City, Nigeria.
authors: Tola Ohiengbomwan
authors: TO
authors: Onaiwu
keywords: Anemia; Asymptomatic malaria; Blood donors; Nigeria; Private laboratory