Strong linear correlation between parasite density and ABO-blood group among patients with malaria parasite infection

Authors

  • Muhammad M. Ibrahim Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
  • Abubakar Shettima Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
  • Tijani Isa Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
  • Umoru M. Askira Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria
  • Musa Ibn Abbas Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20183895

Keywords:

Blood group, Correlation, Malaria, Parasite density, Plasmodium falciparum

Abstract

Background: Analysis of the dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum infection as it relates to the ABO blood group system could expand our understanding of malaria pathology and further global efforts in addressing the scourge of malaria disease. This study seeks to examine the association between malaria infection and parasite density in relation to the ABO blood group system.

Methods: 298 patients (Age Mean±SD = 28.8±9.16) were selected at random and screened for malaria parasite infection and parasite density quantification using the thick blood film method. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine relationship between parasite density and blood group.

Results: 88 (29.5%) patients tested positive to malaria parasite infection. Patients with blood group O recorded the highest number of positive cases (56.81%) and the least was found among those with blood group AB (3.42%). 93.18% of patients that tested positive were rhesus positive while 6.82% were rhesus negative. 40.90% of patients with mild parasitaemia and 10.23% of patients with moderate parasitaemia were of blood group O+. Pearson correlation coefficient was strong, direct and linear (r = 0.9184; r2 = 0.8434).

Conclusions: This study has shown that there is a strong correlation between parasite density per microliter of blood in relation to the ABO-blood group type of individuals diagnosed with malaria parasite infection.

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Published

2018-09-22

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Original Research Articles