Relationships between blood cell counts and the density of malaria parasites among patients at the regional hospital, Limbe, Cameroon
Afr. J. Clin. Exp. Microbiol
; 11(2): 120-137, 2010. ilus
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1256055
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
Malaria is one of the most important infectious disease in Cameroon and throughout the world [1]. Globally it results in an estimated 400 millions cases and about 3 millions deaths each year; most of these deaths in children aged 1 to 5 in Sub-Saharan Africa; making it the biggest single infections killer of children in the world [1]. It is a major public health problem in Cameroon; with its prevalence and incidence appearing to be on the increase owing to the lack of adequate control measures [6]. This study was designed to determine the correlation between blood cell counts and the density of malaria parasitemia amongst patients who presented for consultation at the Regional Hospital Limbe (RHL). A total of 100 consecutive patients suffering from malaria who consented to participating in this study were recruited and venous blood (3-5ml) was collected by venepuncture. Thick and thin blood films were prepared; stained and microscopically examined for the presence of malaria parasites. Total blood cells and differential white cell counts were performed using a coulter counter. The findings depicted a negative correlation between parasite load and haemoglobin concentration [Hb]; mean cell volume (MCV); and mean cell haemoglobin (MCH); a positive correlation of parasite density with white blood cell counts (WBC); red blood cell counts (RBC); and the differential white blood cell counts (lymphocyte; monocyte; and granulocytes); and no correlation was observed with the platelet counts
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Parasites
/
Blood Cell Count
/
Cameroon
/
Malaria
Type of study:
Risk factors
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Afr. J. Clin. Exp. Microbiol
Year:
2010
Type:
Article
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