Haematological changes in malaria-infected children in North-West Nigeria

Aim: Malaria is prevalent in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and has been associated with some haematological changes. This study determined the effect of malaria infection on haematological values amongst children in north-western Nigeria. Materials and methods: Fifty-eight malaria-infected children, aged 1-12 years, and 58 age-matched uninfected children were studied between September and December 2011 at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. Blood samples collected were analysed for full blood count using a Swelab Alfa 3-part analyser and malaria parasite test using the field staining technique. Results: There were significantly lower values of haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, and platelet count of 29.0 +/- 4.7%, 10.0 +/- 1.7 g/L, and 195.9 x 111.9 x 109/L in malaria-infected children compared to 32.3 +/- 2.8%, 11.1 +/- 1.1 g/L, and (287.4 +/- 92.6) x 109/L, respectively, in uninfected control subjects (P < 0.05), while the values of total white blood cell count, granulocyte count, lymphocyte count, and mid-cell count in malaria-infected and noninfected children showed no significant differences (P > 0.05). Parasite densities had no significant influences on haematocrit, haemoglobin, or white blood cell counts (P > 0.05), but showed influence on platelet count (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Changes in haematological values in malaria-infected children are associated with anaemia and thrombocytopaenia irrespective of their sex. It is recommended that platelet count be determined as it could assist in the diagnosis of malaria infection.