Haematological Derangements Due to Plasmodium falciparum Among Sickle Cell Anaemia Patients in Taraba State Nigeria

Malaria infection is recognized as a severe public health problem linked to most cases of morbidity and mortality in malaria endemic areas. The study was used to determine the hematological derangement of plasmodium falciparum among sickle cell anaemia patients in Taraba state. The study employed a community and laboratory based cross sectional study. The findings shows that malaria infection was highest in the southern senatorial zone (29.1%) than in the north and central zones (p<0.05). Infection was high with the males (21.2%), age-related malaria infection was significant (p<0.05) with age 1-10yrs recording the highest infection (28.0%). No significant difference (p>0.00) was recorded in the marital status of the patient with the widows/widower having 23.4% while degree of infection was significant for education-related infection (p<0.05) with the non-educated subjects recording highest infection (34...4%). Occupational related prevalence was significant (p<0.05) with high infection among traders (162 (28.7%). Significant difference was recorded in the marital status with the widow/widower recording a high prevalence of malaria 112 (23.4%). Haematological parameters show no significant association in malaria parasitized packed cell volume (t=0.284, p>0.05) and monocytes (t=1.361, p>0.05). Significant association was recorded in total white blood count (t=3.647, p>0.05), neutrophil (t=20.794, p<0.05), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (t=30.017, p<0.05), eosinophil (t=4.847, p<0.0.07), basophil (t=11.35, p<0.05), platelet (t=30.378, p<0.05) and lymphocytes (t=21.369, p<0.03).Our finding for this current study confirm that malaria remains a major challenge and there is need for periodic prophylactic administration of malaria drugs in the treatment regime of sickle cell anaemia patients. Keywords: Malaria infection, hematological derangement, plasmodium falciparum, Taraba State, Nigeria.