Cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia changes in adult with malaria in a hypo-endemic malaria region, Butembo-DR Congo

ABSTRACT

changes occur commonly among patients affected with malaria. This study aimed to assess lipid changes in blood among patients with malaria in Butembo, a hypoendemic region. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted in the Departments of Internal and Parasitology of Matanda Hospital, located in Butembo, from July 1st, 2020, to November 2, 2020; involved 100 patients diagnosed with malaria. Biochemical analyses carried out by three lab technicians were performed among patients who had positive malaria using positive thick film. Plasmodial species, the parasite density, the triglycerides, the total cholesterol, the HDL-cholesterol, the LDL-cholesterol were assessed. Results: Cholesteroleamia and HDLemia demonstrated a low level in 93% and in 61% of participants respectively; whereas 73% of cases showed an increased level of triglycerides in the blood. Lipidemia profile was independently associated with parasite density among patients with malaria. Conclusion: Although the lipid changes in the blood are not specific in the diagnosis of malaria, this study highlighted their status among patients with malaria. Further researches should be conducted to determine their impact on malaria outcomes. Therefore, dyslipidemia could be used in malaria screening.