Fibrinogen and C-Reactive Protein Significance in Children Infected by Plasmodium falciparum Species in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Linda Nnenna Ogbonna
Department of Haematology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Silas Anayo Ufelle
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu *
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Pat Uzo Okpala
Department of Nursing Science, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Bessie N. Esimai
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Chekwube C. Agu
Department of Nursing Science, Evangel University, Akaeze, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Adaobi Maryann Ibekwe
Department of Nursing Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Daniel Chinenyeike Offie
APIN Public Health Initiatives, Plot 225, Ikeja Avenue, Adere Falegan, Ilawe Road, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Malaria accounts for a considerable mortality and morbidity rate with children bearing the greatest burden. The study investigated fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) value alterations in children infected by Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) species. A case control study with a total of ninety-five microscopically confirmed P. falciparum malaria infected children and fifty apparently healthy age and gender matched controls from Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Wesley Specialist Hospital and Akpugo Community Health Centre, Enugu were recruited for the study. Fibrinogen level was determined by clauss clotting time method using sodium citrated plasma. Giemsa stained thick and thin blood film was used for parasite identification and calculation of parasite density. Serum CRP values was determined by immunoturbidimetric method. Fibrinogen levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in P. falciparum infected children (324.03 + 59.87) mg/dl as compared to the control (224.74 + 34.88) mg/dl. Parasite density showed a weak positive correlation between fibrinogen (p < 0.01, r = 0.461) and CRP (p < 0.01, r = 0.232). CRP was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in P. falciparum malaria infected children (21.52 + 35.59) mg/l as compared to the control (2.43 + 0.97) mg/l. In conclusion, P. falciparum malaria infection demonstrated a significant impact on fibrinogen and CRP.
Keywords: Fibrinogen, C - reactive protein, inflammatory biomarkers, children, Plasmodium falciparum, species