Haematological Alterations in Malaria Parasitaemia: A Study at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Nigeria.

Background: Malaria continues to pose a serious public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a medicalemergency that can quickly escalate into life-threatening complications if not properly treated. Like many infectiousdiseases, malaria has a significant impact on the haematological profile, which can provide useful diagnostic and prognosticinsights. The liver, which plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and immune regulation, also influences haematologicalfunction. Objective: This study aimed to assess changes in selected haematological parameters total white blood cell(TWBC) count, differential white cell counts, and total protein levels in patients infected with malaria parasitaemia, andcompare the values to those of healthy, non-infected individuals. Methods: A total of 100 participants were enrolled,consisting of 50 malaria-infected patients and 50 healthy controls. Informed consent was obtained. Blood samples werecollected under aseptic conditions from the antecubital vein. Three milliliters of blood were placed into EDTA tubes forWBC and differential counts, while four milliliters were placed in plain tubes for serum total protein estimation using theBiuret method. Samples were stored appropriately until analysis. White cell counts were carried out using standard manualmethods (Cheesbrough). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Results: Malaria-infected patients had significantlyreduced levels of TWBC (4.96 ± 1.48 × 109/L), lymphocytes (28.22 ± 8.07)%, eosinophils (1.45 ± 0.98)%, and total protein(6.44 ± 9.28 g/L) compared to healthy controls (9.07 ± 2.29 × 109/L; 44.50 ± 13.86%; 2.21 ± 0.99%; 8.19 ± 1.27 g/L respectively)with p-values < 0.001. However, neutrophil counts were significantly higher in the malaria group (62.50 ± 8.96%) than incontrols (45.06 ± 10.97%) (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in monocyte levels between both groups. Gendercomparisons among malaria patients showed no statistically significant differences in neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils,monocytes, or total protein. However, male patients had significantly lower TWBC counts (4.64 ± 1.33 × 109/L) than females(5.37 ± 1.58 × 109/L) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Malaria parasitaemia is associated with notable changes in haematologicalparameters, particularly lower TWBC, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and total protein, along with elevated neutrophil counts.These findings support the use of haematological assessments in the diagnosis and monitoring of malaria. Preventivestrategies like the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and appropriate clothing remain essential tools in reducing malariatransmission.