author(s)
Shehzad Zareen, Hira Zareen, Hazrat Zaman, Hameed Ur Rehman, Naeem Ur Rehman, Muska Nayab, Bushra Israr, Farmanullah Khan, Nowshad Wali, Riaz Ahmad and Mehmood Ur Rehman

abstract
Malaria is the infection which predominantly affects developing countries and is the cause of elevated level of mortalities and health issues. Afghan Refugee camp no. 1, 2 and 3 (which are situated at Peshawar bypass of district Kohat) were selected as target area. Blood sample was collected from susceptible Afghan refugees who showed symptoms of Malaria infection. Blood sample was tested through Microscopy, RDT and Haemoglobin analysis. A total of 220 blood samples [Male = 156 (70.90%) and Female = 64 (29.09%)] were randomly collected from susceptible peoples residing in Afghan refugee Ghamkol camp district Kohat in the months of May 2011 to June 2012 Male population was found more infected as compare to female. Teen-agers were more prone to malaria infection. P. vivax was more prevalent as compare to P. falciparum. No male was found positive with the infection of P. falciparum. About 8/220 (3.63%) cases were misdiagnosed by microscopy, while about 2/220 (0.90%) cases were misdiagnosed by RDT. A high prevalence of both P. vivax and P. falciparum was observed in the months of August – October. A comparatively low Hb level was observed in Malaria positive cases i.e. an average 7.4gm/dL in P. falciparum positive cases while 9.98 gm/d Lin P. vivax positive cases. Due to lack of expertise malaria cases can be misdiagnosed which may lead to improper treatment of the patient. Malaria if diagnosed properly, it is very difficult task to identify a morphological form of the parasite and to identify it. Afghan refugee’s teen-agers are more susceptible for getting Malaria infection as they wander over streets and collect garbage and trash; they spend their most of the time in unhygienic condition they are also spotted taking bath in ponds and stagnant water which are specifically mosquito breeding site. A comparatively high percentage of malaria infection was found in the months of August – October i.e. 39/56 (69.64%) as they are considered to be humid months in Pakistan, this season is very favourable for mosquito breeding.