Evaluation of haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red cell indices in pre- and post-anti-malaria drug treatment in plasmodium falciparum malaria infected and control individuals

Ifeanyichukwu M.O¹, Esan, A.J².

Immunology Department, Nnamidi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria¹

Haematology Department, Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria²,

*Corresponding Author’s Email: ferdaus.dps@sau.ac.bd

Accepted 03 March, 2014

Abstract

This study was to evaluate haemoglobin concentration, packed cell voluFme and red cell indices in pre- and post anti-malaria drug treatment in Plasmodium falciparum malaria infected and control individuals. The study was conducted at Federal Medical Center, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria; between November 2012 and March 2013; malaria infected adult individuals; presented with signs and symptoms of malaria infection was used for the study. 202 blood samples were collected twice from the same malaria infected individuals; grouped as pre-treatment and post anti-malaria drug treatment. 102 blood samples from apparently healthy individuals were collected for control; both malaria infected subjects and controls were within the age 15-64 years of both sex. 4ml of blood sample was collected and dispensed into di-potassium ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (K₂EDTA) vaccutainer bottles for haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red cell indices were analysed using haematology analyser (sysmex automated haematology analyser model kx-21n, maunfactured by sysmex co-operation kobe, Japan), thick blood film was made and stained with Giemsa’s staining technique for malaria parasite screening, the procedure was described by Monica Cheesbrough, 2005 . Data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 16. The result of this present study showed that, the mean ± SD of red blood cell, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red cell indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC) and red cell distribution width in post treatment were significantly (P<0.05) lower compared to pre treatment and control. The study showed that, anaemia is the common haematological changes in malaria P. falciparum infection, the wide use of more effective anti-malaria would probably result in greater clinical and haematological benefits. However, the prevalence of malaria infection in male was higher compared to female.  

Keywords: malaria parasite, anaemia and anti-malaria drug.