Malaria and Genetic Polymorphism of Haemoglobin Genotypes and ABO Blood Groups.
Authors:
ATULOMAH Nnodimele
Publication Type: Journal article
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Abstract
Malaria places a huge burden on human life, and has been reported to be a key health problem
affecting developing countries. This study aimed at determining the distribution of Hemoglobin genotypes, ABO blood groups and severity of malaria infection among various hemoglobin genotypes. Seven hundred and sixty-five patients, who expressed symptoms of malaria, were clinically examined for malaria symptoms. Two hundred were clinically diagnosed for malaria infection. Blood films were prepared from these and examined for malaria parasites. Their Haemoglobin (Hb) genotypes and ABO blood groups were determined. The patterns of malaria infection were determined among Hb genotypes and ABO blood groups. One hundred and eighty had Plasmodium falciparum infection. Age group 1-5years had the highest frequency of malaria infection, 50 (27.77%) with a mean parasite count of 9,600/UL. Age group 36 – 40 was least infected, with a mean parasite count of 1,000/UL. The differences within the mean parasite counts, among the age groups were significant (p<0.05). Males 98 (54.4%) were more infected than the females 82 (45.6%). The mean parasite load of the males was also significantly higher than that of the females, (P <0.05). Hb genotype AA patients (60%) were more infected than the Hb genotype AS.