Some Biochemical and Haematological Studies on the Prevalence of Congenital Malaria in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

A seven month study (March-September 2006) on the prevalence of congenital malaria was carried out at the labour unit of three different hospitals within Ilorin metropolis: Eyitayo Hospital, Surulere Medical Hospital and Children Specialist Hospital Centre Gboro Ilorin. A total of 130 blood samples were collected from the mothers and their newborn babies and examined for malaria parasite using both thin and thick films. Maternal packed cell volume (PCV) and genotype was also determined using haematocrit method and cellulose acetate electrophoresis respectively. The prevalence rate of maternal, fetal, placental and cord parasitaemia were 37(28.46%), 29(22.31%), 33(25.38%) and 30(23.08%) respectively. Malaria infected maternal blood had a mild reduction in PCV level (p<0.05). Genotype showed strong correlation with maternal, fetal, placental and cord parasitaemia (p<0.05). However, the effect of malaria prophylaxis was shown to be more protective for the placental parasitaemia (p<0.05). Finally maternal age and parity did not show strong correlation with Maternal, fetal, placental and cord parasitaemia (p>0.05).