Hematological Abnormalities Among Malaria Infected Adult Patients in Association with ABO Blood Groups at Jinella Health Center, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Hematological abnormalities are a common complication of malaria infection. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding it among malaria-infected adult patients in association with the ABO blood group in Ethiopia, particularly in the Harari Region. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the hematological abnormalities among malaria-infected adult patients in association with ABO blood groups at Jinella Health Center, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 10, 2022, to January 10, 2023. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected from each study participant. Drops of blood were used for blood film preparation. ABO blood group was determined by agglutination test using monoclonal anti-sera (Agape Diagnostics Ltd., India). A complete blood count was done using the DxH 800 (Beckman Coulter, Inc, Miami, FL) hematology analyzer. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. The level of significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05. Results: The study revealed that 47.2% (95% CI: 41.0 53.6) of the participants were anemic. Being female (AOR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.67, 6.04), having the A blood group (AOR = 2.75, CI = 1.20, 6.31), and being infected with P. falciparum (AOR = 2.64, CI = 1.26, 5.53) were all significantly associated with malaria anemia. The overall prevalence of thrombocytopenia was also 67.7% (95% CI: 61.7– 73.4%). It was significantly associated with P. falciparum infection (AOR = 8.03, CI = 3.53, 18.25) and high parasitemia levels (AOR = 4.40, CI = 1.57, 12.32). Conclusion: Patients with malaria who belonged to the “A” blood group in the study area had anemia as a serious health problem. Hence, frequently checking for anemia in patients with malaria who have blood group “A” can help with early detection and better management of anemia. Keywords: malaria, hematological abnormalities, blood groups, Harar, Ethiopia