Haemoglobin and white blood cells (WBC) as key haematological indicators of malaria infection in a population in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Malaria is the main cause of consultation and hospitalisation in health centres and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Côte d'Ivoire. To reduce malaria-related deaths, rapid diagnosis and treatment strategies should be adopted. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between parasite density and selected haematological parameters in infected patients in cities located in southern Côte d'Ivoire. Blood samples were collected in Jacqueville and Tiassalé. The different haematological parameters were identified by an automated haematological analyser. The coefficient of determination (R2) was determined to show the proportion of variation in parasite density and each haematological parameter. A total of 69 patients were sampled. A negative correlation was observed between parasite density and haemoglobin in the general population, in Jacqueville and in Tiassalé. However, this correlation is significant in the general population (p1 = 0.046; Confidence Interval (CI= [-0.0047; -0.00010]) with a correlation intensity (r) different from zero (p2 = 0.05) and in Jacqueville (p1 = 0. 041; CI= [-0.0025; -0.00012]) with a correlation intensity (r) different from zero (p2 = 0.04). In Tiassalé the correlation was not significant. Haemoglobin and WBC can be considered as key haematological indicators of malaria infection in the study population.