PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATION OF MALARIA AND GLUCOSE-6 PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 10 YEARS OLD
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The co-occurrence of malaria and G6PD deficiency is concerning, as G6PD deficiency can worsen malaria complications like leading to severe anaemia. Addressing the relationship between these conditions is crucial for improving health outcomes.
METHOD: This study was carried out between February and April 2024 whereby, venous blood was collected from 143 children aged 6 months to 10 years old. Haematological test for full blood count was done, using a haematological analyzer. Biochemical test for G6PD enzyme activity was done using a spectrophotometric assay and Parasitology test for Malaria parasite was carried out using Microscopy. Significant differences between categorical values like age, sex, gender and others where summarized using percentages. Subsequently, the data was transferred to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Fisher’s exact test was carried out and p-values were calculated.
RESULTS: A total of 26 were found positive to malaria after analysis, giving a prevalence of 18.2%. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was found to be 39.9% with a G6PD concentration lesser than 290.4 UI/1012 erythrocytes. This study reveals that 11(7.7%) had malaria with G6PD and 15(10.5%) had malaria without G6PD and no significant association was observed (p >0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study also revealed a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency (39.9%) amongst the children, with lower G6PD concentration levels in affected individuals. This is a significant public health concern. Although no significant association was found between G6PD deficiency and malaria or the occurrence of hemolytic anaemia among malaria patients, further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between these factors.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Plasmodium parasites cause malaria. The parasites spread to people through the bite of infectious female Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium species are generally host specific and vector specific in that each species will only infect a limited range of hosts and vectors. Four distinct species infect humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae [1].
The species differ in regards to their morphology, details of their life cycles and their clinical manifestations. When an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person, the parasite is transmitted into the blood stream. The parasites then multiply and infect red blood cells, causing recurrent bouts of fever, chills and flu-like symptoms [2]. If left untreated, severe malaria can lead to complications such as organ failure and death, particularly in young children and pregnant women [3].
According to WHO report, in 2021, an estimated 247 million cases of malaria and 619,000 deaths occurred globally. About 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of all malaria deaths occurred in malaria endemic regions in 2021. A little more than 80% of all malaria deaths in the region were caused by children under the age of five [3, 4]. Overall, Cameroon is among the 15 highest burden malaria countries, with 2.7% of all global malaria cases and 96% deaths globally [5]. Malaria is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, with its highest burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
Efforts to combat malaria have been ongoing for decades, focusing on several key strategies. They include the widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, prompt and accurate diagnosis through rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, and effective treatment using artemisinin-based combination therapies [6].
Its transmission is regulated by a number of factors, including climate, mosquito breeding locations and human behaviour [7]. Individuals living in rural regions, pregnant women and children under the age of five are most prone to malaria infection and its serious consequences [8]. It is further intensified by factors such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, and the emergence of drug resistant strains of the malaria parasite [9, 10].
Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common enzymatic disorders worldwide, affecting millions of individuals, primarily in malaria endemic regions [11]. This condition is characterized by a deficiency of the G6PD enzyme, which is crucial for protecting red blood cells against oxidative stress. G6PD deficiency can lead to the destruction of red blood cells when exposed to certain triggers, such as medications, infections or ingestion of certain food such as Fava beans [12].
Malaria and G6PD deficiency are serious threat to children in Cameroon [13]. In children with G6PD deficiency, exposure to triggers like certain drugs or infections can destroy red blood cells [11]. However, G6PD deficiency also provides some protection against severe malaria caused P. falciparum [14]. Although these individuals are less likely to develop severe malaria symptoms, the mechanisms underlying this protective effect are not fully understood and may vary depending on genetic factors, geographical locations and specific malaria strain involved [15, 16].
When managing malaria in G6PD deficient children, health care providers need to balance the risk of severe malaria against the risk of inducing hemolysis. Screening for G6PD deficiency is crucial before administering certain antimalarial drugs like primaquine. Individual variability exists in the severity of hemolysis. Careful management and monitoring are essential to optimize treatment and minimize complications [17].
1.2 Rationale
Malaria and G6PD deficiency are significant health concerns in malaria-endemic regions affecting mostly children worldwide [14].
Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Cameroon and G6PD deficiency can intensify the severity and complications of the disease [13,16]. G6PD deficient individuals may experience adverse reactions, including hemolysis, when exposed to specific antimalarial medications such as primaquine [17].
This poses a challenge for healthcare providers in effectively managing malaria cases. By unfolding the relationship between these two conditions, interventions can be developed to reduce the risks associated with G6PD deficiency, enhance malaria management strategies, and this aligns with the goals of reducing the burden of malaria and improving child health outcomes [11, 15]. This study sought to determine the prevalence and association of malaria and G6PD deficiency in children from 6 months to 10 years old, attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala.
1.3 Research Questions
- What is the prevalence of malaria in children attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala?
- What is the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in children attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala?
- Is there an association between malaria and G6PD deficiency in children attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala?
- Does G6PD deficiency increase the risk of hemolytic anaemia in children with malaria?
Check out: Medical Laboratory Project Topics with Materials
Project Details | |
Department | Medical Lab |
Project ID | MLB0012 |
Price | Cameroonian: 5000 Frs |
International: $15 | |
No of pages | 57 |
Methodology | Descriptive |
Reference | yes |
Format | MS word & PDF |
Chapters | 1-5 |
Extra Content | table of content, questionnaire |
This is a premium project material, to get the complete research project make payment of 5,000FRS (for Cameroonian base clients) and $15 for international base clients. See details on payment page
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PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATION OF MALARIA AND GLUCOSE-6 PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN AGED 6 MONTHS TO 10 YEARS OLD
Project Details | |
Department | Medical Lab |
Project ID | MLB0012 |
Price | Cameroonian: 5000 Frs |
International: $15 | |
No of pages | 57 |
Methodology | Descriptive |
Reference | yes |
Format | MS word & PDF |
Chapters | 1-5 |
Extra Content | table of content, questionnaire |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The co-occurrence of malaria and G6PD deficiency is concerning, as G6PD deficiency can worsen malaria complications like leading to severe anaemia. Addressing the relationship between these conditions is crucial for improving health outcomes.
METHOD: This study was carried out between February and April 2024 whereby, venous blood was collected from 143 children aged 6 months to 10 years old. Haematological test for full blood count was done, using a haematological analyzer. Biochemical test for G6PD enzyme activity was done using a spectrophotometric assay and Parasitology test for Malaria parasite was carried out using Microscopy. Significant differences between categorical values like age, sex, gender and others where summarized using percentages. Subsequently, the data was transferred to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Fisher’s exact test was carried out and p-values were calculated.
RESULTS: A total of 26 were found positive to malaria after analysis, giving a prevalence of 18.2%. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was found to be 39.9% with a G6PD concentration lesser than 290.4 UI/1012 erythrocytes. This study reveals that 11(7.7%) had malaria with G6PD and 15(10.5%) had malaria without G6PD and no significant association was observed (p >0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study also revealed a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency (39.9%) amongst the children, with lower G6PD concentration levels in affected individuals. This is a significant public health concern. Although no significant association was found between G6PD deficiency and malaria or the occurrence of hemolytic anaemia among malaria patients, further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between these factors.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Plasmodium parasites cause malaria. The parasites spread to people through the bite of infectious female Anopheles mosquitoes. Plasmodium species are generally host specific and vector specific in that each species will only infect a limited range of hosts and vectors. Four distinct species infect humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae [1].
The species differ in regards to their morphology, details of their life cycles and their clinical manifestations. When an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person, the parasite is transmitted into the blood stream. The parasites then multiply and infect red blood cells, causing recurrent bouts of fever, chills and flu-like symptoms [2]. If left untreated, severe malaria can lead to complications such as organ failure and death, particularly in young children and pregnant women [3].
According to WHO report, in 2021, an estimated 247 million cases of malaria and 619,000 deaths occurred globally. About 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of all malaria deaths occurred in malaria endemic regions in 2021. A little more than 80% of all malaria deaths in the region were caused by children under the age of five [3, 4]. Overall, Cameroon is among the 15 highest burden malaria countries, with 2.7% of all global malaria cases and 96% deaths globally [5]. Malaria is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, with its highest burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
Efforts to combat malaria have been ongoing for decades, focusing on several key strategies. They include the widespread use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, prompt and accurate diagnosis through rapid diagnostic tests and microscopy, and effective treatment using artemisinin-based combination therapies [6].
Its transmission is regulated by a number of factors, including climate, mosquito breeding locations and human behaviour [7]. Individuals living in rural regions, pregnant women and children under the age of five are most prone to malaria infection and its serious consequences [8]. It is further intensified by factors such as poverty, limited access to healthcare, and the emergence of drug resistant strains of the malaria parasite [9, 10].
Glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common enzymatic disorders worldwide, affecting millions of individuals, primarily in malaria endemic regions [11]. This condition is characterized by a deficiency of the G6PD enzyme, which is crucial for protecting red blood cells against oxidative stress. G6PD deficiency can lead to the destruction of red blood cells when exposed to certain triggers, such as medications, infections or ingestion of certain food such as Fava beans [12].
Malaria and G6PD deficiency are serious threat to children in Cameroon [13]. In children with G6PD deficiency, exposure to triggers like certain drugs or infections can destroy red blood cells [11]. However, G6PD deficiency also provides some protection against severe malaria caused P. falciparum [14]. Although these individuals are less likely to develop severe malaria symptoms, the mechanisms underlying this protective effect are not fully understood and may vary depending on genetic factors, geographical locations and specific malaria strain involved [15, 16].
When managing malaria in G6PD deficient children, health care providers need to balance the risk of severe malaria against the risk of inducing hemolysis. Screening for G6PD deficiency is crucial before administering certain antimalarial drugs like primaquine. Individual variability exists in the severity of hemolysis. Careful management and monitoring are essential to optimize treatment and minimize complications [17].
1.2 Rationale
Malaria and G6PD deficiency are significant health concerns in malaria-endemic regions affecting mostly children worldwide [14].
Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Cameroon and G6PD deficiency can intensify the severity and complications of the disease [13,16]. G6PD deficient individuals may experience adverse reactions, including hemolysis, when exposed to specific antimalarial medications such as primaquine [17].
This poses a challenge for healthcare providers in effectively managing malaria cases. By unfolding the relationship between these two conditions, interventions can be developed to reduce the risks associated with G6PD deficiency, enhance malaria management strategies, and this aligns with the goals of reducing the burden of malaria and improving child health outcomes [11, 15]. This study sought to determine the prevalence and association of malaria and G6PD deficiency in children from 6 months to 10 years old, attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala.
1.3 Research Questions
- What is the prevalence of malaria in children attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala?
- What is the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in children attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala?
- Is there an association between malaria and G6PD deficiency in children attending Laquintinie Hospital Douala?
- Does G6PD deficiency increase the risk of hemolytic anaemia in children with malaria?
Check out: Medical Laboratory Project Topics with Materials
This is a premium project material, to get the complete research project make payment of 5,000FRS (for Cameroonian base clients) and $15 for international base clients. See details on payment page
NB: It’s advisable to contact us before making any form of payment
Our Fair use policy
Using our service is LEGAL and IS NOT prohibited by any university/college policies. For more details click here
We’ve been providing support to students, helping them make the most out of their academics, since 2014. The custom academic work that we provide is a powerful tool that will facilitate and boost your coursework, grades, and examination results. Professionalism is at the core of our dealings with clients.
For more project materials and info!
Contact us here
OR
Click on the WhatsApp Button at the bottom left