prevalence and intensity of malaria parasites in a sickle cell population in the university of Maiduguri teaching hospital, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Malaria is holoendemic in Nigeria, particularly in our environment. This periodic assessment of its complication of sickle cell anaemia in our locality is worthwhile. To determine the prevalence and intensity of malaria parasitaemia in clinically and laboratory diagnosed sickle cell anaemia patients in the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria in order to gauge its current effect as a management challenge. Blood samples were collected from 106 children with signs and symptoms of malaria aged 0-14 years attending the Emergency Paediatric Unit, Paediatric and Haematology Outpatient Clinics of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria were taken by venepuncture into EDTA containers. Thick and thin smears were made and stained r using Giemsa and Leishman's stains respectively. The smears were examined under x100 objective microscope. The finding revealed a parasite rate of 56% with P.falciparum being the commonest specie. Highest mean parasite density was 36 parasites/microL in the 11-14 age group. However, malaria infection occurred in all the age groups studied. The prevalence of malaria in the patients in high and could hinder optimum response to the management of sickle cell anaemia. Proper counseling on preventive measures against exposure to malaria vectors by clinicians is necessary