Erythrocyte Indices Variations In Under Five Children As A Result Of High Plasmodium Falciparum Parasitaemia

Abstract

Nigeria accounts for 31% of the 619,000 malaria-related deaths recorded worldwide, according to the World Malaria Report 2022. Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum causes significant changes in haematological parameters and indices. The study aimed to observe erythrocyte indices and haemoglobin concentration variations in children with Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia, evaluate the correlation between parasite count and indices, and assess their predictive roles. We analysed 194 children (≤ 5 years old) suspected of malaria and collected 5 ml of whole blood samples for analysis. The samples were used to prepare thin and thick blood films for qualitative and quantitative assays. A CBC was carried out to estimate HGB concentration and erythrocyte indices. The case and control group had a mean difference statistically significant at (P<0.001). MCV [case group (72.26±4.83), control group (85.00±4.48)]; MCH [case group (23.82±2.51), control group (28.85±2.02)] and HGB [case group (100.78±14.84), control group (135.65±9.95). Pearson correlation showed weak negative statistical significance at (P<0.05) for MCV, MCH, MCHC and HGB in the range of (-0.38) – (-0.218). Regression analysis indicated that parasite count predicted MCV, MCH, MCHC and HGB at (P<0.05); R values at (0.283, 0.272, 0.326 and 0.308, respectively). When considering age and parasite count as predictive variables, we obtained R values of 0.285, 0.282, 0.326, and 0.328 for MCV, MCH, MCHC, and HGB, respectively. Research results show a significant relationship between Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia and variations in erythrocyte indices with haemoglobin concentration in children at significant levels.