# Prevalence of Malaria Among Individuals Living With Lymphedema in Kamwenge District, Western Uganda

## TL;DR

This study found a small percentage of people with lymphedema in Uganda also had malaria, suggesting the need for integrated healthcare in regions where both diseases are common.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the co-occurrence of malaria and lymphedema in a specific Ugandan district.

## Key findings

- Malaria was detected in 3.3% of individuals with lymphedema in Kamwenge District.
- Most participants had bilateral lower limb lymphedema and lived in rural areas.
- The study highlights the importance of integrated healthcare for co-endemic diseases.

## Abstract

Lymphedema, also known as elephantiasis, is a long-term and often debilitating condition characterized by the progressive swelling of limbs due to poor lymphatic drainage. While lymphatic filariasis, a mosquito-borne disease, is a common infectious cause globally, non-infectious forms such as podoconiosis resulting from prolonged exposure to mineral-rich soils are also prevalent in many low-resource, endemic regions. In areas where both malaria and lymphedema occur, malaria may further affect individuals already suffering from chronic swelling. In Kamwenge District, Western Uganda, lymphedema is a recognized public health concern, yet the contributing factors remain poorly understood. This lack of clarity complicates effective diagnosis, treatment, and disease control. This study aimed to assess the presence of malaria among individuals living with lymphedema in this setting.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 individuals with clinically confirmed lymphedema, recruited through purposive sampling from Rukunyu Hospital and surrounding communities. Data collection involved structured interviews, physical examinations, and venous blood sampling. Malaria infection was determined through microscopic examination of blood smears.

Of the 154 participants, 71.4% were female, with an average age of 54.7 years. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 3.3% (n=5) of the individuals. The majority (96.8%) had bilateral lower limb lymphedema and resided in rural areas, primarily engaged in subsistence farming.

The presence of malaria among individuals with lymphedema highlights the need for integrated healthcare approaches in areas where multiple parasitic diseases are endemic. Although malaria was detected in a small portion of participants, its occurrence alongside lymphedema underscores the importance of continued disease surveillance, targeted interventions, and community education to support affected populations.