Association between malaria parasite density and hematological profile in malaria infected children at a Nigerian Private hospital.

Abstract

Background objectives: The correct association between Plasmodium falciparum parasite density and the cellular constituents of blood is not known in entirety in Nigerian children. Thus, we decided to study the association between cellular blood constituents and malaria parasite density in malaria infected children attending a Nigerian hospital.

Methods: A study of all the children diagnosed with malaria fever at the Paediatric out-patient clinic, Cedar Crest Hospital, Abuja. Packed cell volume, white blood cells with differentials and platelet counts and malaria parasite densities obtained from blood samples were studied. Malaria parasites densities more than 2 pluses were classified as significant parasitemia and 1 plus non-significant. Information obtained were recorded and analysed with SPSS 22 software.

Results: A total 143 children (74 boys and 69 girls) diagnosed with malaria with ages between 5 months to 17 years (mean 5.24 ±4.60) were studied. The majority 141 (98.6%) had non-significant P. falciparum parasitemia, while 2 (2.4%) had significant parasitemia. Of the 143 children with malaria 116 (81.1%) had a normal leucocyte count. All children with significant parasitemia had a normal leucocyte count. Of the 143 children 11 (7.7%) had anemia and 10 (7.0%) thrombocytopenia. Anemia, monocytosis and thrombocytopenia were significantly associated with significant malaria parasitemia (p<0.05). Mean platelet counts was significantly less amongst those with significant parasitemia (P <0.01).

Interpretation conclusion: All patients with significant malaria parasitemia had normal leucocyte counts. Significant malaria parasitemia is significantly associated with anemia, thrombocytopenia and monocytosis. Blood film appearances showing this changes are suggestive of significant malaria parasitemia.