Haematological Parameters Associated with Malaria and Its Controls
Abeku Francis Ussher
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana.
Daniel Amiteye
Department of Biomedical Engineering, All Nations University College, Koforidua, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This research aimed to evaluate the haematological parameters associated with malaria and its controls.
Materials and Methods: A convenient cross-sectional technique was used for the study for which the sample size was determined by using the formula; n= Z² (P) (1-P) / (A) ². The haematological profile was performed using the Sysmex 2000i automated blood cell counter machine.
Results and Discussion: The erythrocyte profiles (RBC, HB, HCT, RDW-SD and RDW-CV) are highly affected by malaria, whereas MCH, MCHC, and MCV did not show significant variations between the positive malaria cases and negative malaria cases. Means of haemoglobin concentrations, RBC count and HCT values for cases with positive malaria were significantly lower than negative malaria cases and controls for all the age groups and sexes.
Conclusion: The study showed that there were haematological profiles between the positive and negative malaria cases and this can be used in conjunction with clinical and microscopic parameters to heighten the suspicion of malaria as well as prompt initiation of therapy for diagnosing malaria.
Keywords: Haematological parameters, leukocytosis, parasite density, plasmodium, haemog-lobinopathy