CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of The Study

Malaria is a significant problem in children under 10 years of age, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Young children have not yet developed immunity to the malaria parasite, making them more vulnerable to severe disease and death (WHO, 2020).There are several species of the malaria parasite that can cause malaria in humans.

The most common species are Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for most of the malaria cases and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa, and Plasmodium vivax, which is more prevalent in Asia and Latin America and other species are Plasmodium malariae, P. knowlesi, P.ovale (WHO, 2020).

Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a person, the malaria parasite is transmitted to the person’s bloodstream, where it begins to multiply and infect red blood cells. Malaria can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplantation, and from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth (WHO, 2020).

The Anopheles mosquito is the vector responsible for transmitting malaria to humans. Female Anopheles mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans and animals, and when they bite an infected person, they become infected with the malaria parasite. The parasite then develops in the mosquito, and when the mosquito bites another person, it can transmit the parasite to that person (WHO, 2020).

Malaria is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is responsible for a significant number of deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, with 409,000 deaths reported, the majority of which occurred in sub-Saharan Africa (WHO, 2020).

In Africa, malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 215 million cases and 384,000 deaths reported in 2019 (WHO, 2020). Cameroon, a country in Central Africa, is among the countries most affected by malaria, with an estimated 2.8 million cases reported in 2019 (WHO, 2020). Malaria is also a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age in Cameroon, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths in this age group (WHO, 2020).

Several control measures have been put in place to fight malaria in children in Cameroon. These measures include the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying of insecticides, and the provision of antimalarial drugs for treatment and prevention (WHO, 2020). In addition, the Cameroon government has launched several initiatives to control malaria, including the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), which aims to reduce the burden of malaria by 75% by 2025 (WHO, 2020).

Despite these efforts, the burden of malaria in children in Cameroon remains high, with many children still not having access to effective prevention and treatment measures. Furthermore, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite poses a significant challenge to malaria control efforts in Cameroon and other parts of the world (WHO, 2020).

Malaria can have a significant impact on hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin levels, and platelet count. The severity of the impact depends on the species of the malaria parasite, the intensity of the infection, and the host’s immune response (Anstey et al., 2007). Malaria infection is associated with a decrease in RBC count and hemoglobin levels, which can lead to anemia. Anemia is a common complication of malaria, particularly in children and pregnant women, and can have serious consequences, including increased morbidity and mortality (WHO, 2020).

Malaria infection can also lead to a decrease in platelet count, which can result in bleeding disorders and an increased risk of hemorrhage. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is a common complication of malaria, particularly in severe cases (WHO, 2020). Several interventions have been implemented to improve the impact of malaria on hematological parameters. These interventions include the use of antimalarial drugs for treatment and prevention, blood transfusion for severe anemia, and the use of iron supplements for the prevention and treatment of anemia (WHO, 2020).

Research on the impact of falciparum malaria on hematological parameters in children under five years of age is important because young children are particularly vulnerable to the severe complications of malaria, including anemia and thrombocytopenia. Understanding the impact of the disease on hematological parameters in this age group can help inform effective prevention and treatment strategies.

The findings of these studies are relevant because they highlight the importance of effective prevention and treatment of malaria in children under five years of age. The use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying of insecticides, and the provision of antimalarial drugs for treatment and prevention can help reduce the impact of malaria on hematological parameters in this age group (WHO,2020).

In addition, efforts have been made to develop vaccines against malaria, which could provide effective protection against the disease and reduce the impact of malaria on hematological parameters. Several clinical trials of malaria vaccines are currently underway, and some vaccines have shown promising results ( RTS,S clinical Trials partnership, 2015).

1.2. Statement Of The Problem

Malaria caused by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite remains a major public health concern, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is responsible for a significant burden of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 10 years. While the clinical features of malaria are well known, less is understood about the impact of the disease on hematological parameters in children.

Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and platelet count are important indicators of the severity of malaria infection and can also serve as prognostic markers for disease outcome. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the impact of falciparum malaria on these hematological parameters in children under the age of  10 years, in order to improve our understanding of the disease and guide clinical management of affected children ( WHO, 2020).

1.3  Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Questions

What is the prevalence and Impact of malaria on some hematological parameters among children less than 10 years of age attending the Buea Regional Hospital?

1.3.2  Specific Research Questions

1. What is the Prevalence of malaria among children less than 10 years old attending the Buea Regional Hospital?
2. What are the impacts of malaria infection on hematological parameters among children less than 10 years old?

Check out: Medical Laboratory Project Topics with Materials