ASSOCIATION OF DENGUE NON-STRUCTURAL ANTIGEN 1 WITH MALARIA SEVERITY IN PREGNANT WOMEN ACCESSING CARE IN MARYAM ABACHA WOMEN AND CHILDREN HOSPITAL SOKOTO

Abstract

Vector-borne diseases remain a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, with malaria and dengue fever contributing significantly to maternal morbidity and mortality. Malaria is highly endemic in Nigeria, particularly among pregnant women, while dengue infection remains under-recognized despite increasing evidence of its circulation. This study investigated the association between dengue non-structural antigen 1 (NS1) positivity and malaria severity among pregnant women attending Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, Sokoto State. A cross-sectional study design was employed involving pregnant women aged 18–40 years attending antenatal care or admitted with febrile illness. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for malaria parasitaemia using microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, while dengue NS1 antigen was detected using rapid immunoassay techniques. Malaria severity was assessed based on parasite density. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to determine associations. The findings showed a high prevalence of malaria among the participants, whereas dengue NS1 antigen positivity was low. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between dengue NS1 antigen positivity and malaria severity. These results indicate that dengue infection did not influence malaria severity among the pregnant women studied. In conclusion, malaria remains a major public health concern among pregnant women in Sokoto State, while dengue infection currently appears to play a limited role in modifying malaria severity. The study underscores the need for sustained malaria control strategies, improved dengue surveillance, and integrated diagnostic approaches in malaria-endemic regions. Further large-scale studies are recommended to better understand malaria–dengue interactions and their implications for maternal and fetal health.