Marked Differences in Haematological Parameters between Plasmodium falciparum/Plasmodium vivax Co-infection and Plasmodium falciparum Mono-infection in Bamenda, Northwest Cameroon
Eminline Muyang Jumngwa *
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Calvin Bisong Ebai
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon and Division of Immunology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
Lem Edith Abongwa
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Cyril Dewa Abang
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Nora Chia Fuenbi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Mariette Vernyuy Laisin
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Briddo Nzipu Benziegzau
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Flore Nguemaim Ngoufo
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39 Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon.
Helen Kuokuo Kimbi
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, North West Region, Cameroon and Department of Animal Biology and Conservation, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, South West Region, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study evaluated variations in haematological parameters and indices by malaria infection status and species in Bamenda, Northwest Cameroon.
Study Design: This was a hospital- and community-based cross-sectional survey.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Bamenda I, II, and III Health Districts as part of a study on the epidemiology of malaria conducted from January to September 2024.
Methodology: Using convenience sampling, 1,133 consenting participants were recruited from individuals referred to health-facility laboratories for malaria parasite (MP) diagnosis and from residents of the study communities. Blood specimens were collected, and thick and thin blood smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa, and examined microscopically for the detection and speciation of MP, respectively. Full blood counts (FBCs) were analysed using the haematology analyzer (REGO, S/N: S1-2207067, P/S: AC220V,50Hz, M/D: 7/2022). Data were analysed using SPSS version 28.0.
Results: The overall prevalence of MP was 16.2% (183/1133), with Plasmodium falciparum being predominant (14.5%; 164/1133). Plasmodium vivax occurred as mono- (0.2%; 02/1133) and co-infections (1.5%; 17/1133). MP-positive participants had a higher mean ± SD white blood cell (WBC) count (5381±4510 /µl) than MP-negative participants (4807±3160 /µl) with the difference approaching statistical significance (F=3.7, P =.05). RBC counts were similar in positive (4429620±1271892 /µl) and negative participants (4271578±1109049 /µ, F=2.5, P =.11). The highest mean ± SD WBC count (6705±10992 /µl) occurred in P. falciparum and P. vivax (Pf/Pv) co-infections. Lower mixed cell counts (MID), neutrophil counts, and platelet distribution widths (PDW) were recorded in malaria-infected individuals. Species-specific comparisons showed lower levels of MID, neutrophils, and PLCR, but higher WBC counts in P. falciparum/P. vivax co-infections.
Conclusion: Integrating platelet counts and indices with RBC and WBC counts and indices in malaria assessment may support parasite species diagnosis and management.
Keywords: Haematological parameters, haematological indices, Plasmodium species, hospital, community, Bamenda, Cameroon