Differences in haematological parameters and haemoglobin phenotypes in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects with Plasmodium falciparum infection in parts of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria

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1Dikwa, K. B.,

2Maikaje, D. B., 1Yahaya, U. A., and

3Suleiman, A. B.

1Department of Biological Sciences, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

2Department of Microbiology, Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria

3Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
*Correspondence to: kbdikwa@nda.edu.ng

Abstract

Background: Plasmodium falciparum is the leading cause of malaria morbidity and mortality in Nigeria with varied symptoms and haematological consequences. The objective of this study is to assess the differences in haematological parameters and haemoglobin phenotypes in symptomatic P. falciparum infected and apparently healthy asymptomatic individuals in parts of Kaduna metropolis.

Methodology: A total of 1000 subjects; 500 symptomatic and 500 apparently healthy subjects asymptomatic for malaria, were recruited from selected hospitals and National Blood Bank in Kaduna metropolis. Blood samples were collected for thick and thin film microscopy to determine malaria parasitaemia and parasite species identification respectively. Haematological parameters were determined using automated blood analyser (KX-21N, Sysmex, Japan) and haemoglobin phenotypes by alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoresis. Continue reading “Differences in haematological parameters and haemoglobin phenotypes in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects with Plasmodium falciparum infection in parts of Kaduna metropolis, Nigeria”