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Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children at a tertiary teaching hospital: ABO blood group is a risk factor

John Teye Kuadzi1, George Ankra-Badu, Mark Michael Addae

  • 1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.

The Pan African Medical Journal
|December 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with non-O blood groups may be more susceptible to severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study investigated the link between ABO blood types and severe malaria in children, finding non-O groups potentially at higher risk.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology and Infectious Diseases
  • Genetics and Human Variation

Background:

  • ABO blood group antigens are cell surface glycans influencing cell interactions.
  • Adhesion mechanisms are critical in Plasmodium falciparum malaria severity.
  • Glycosylation's role in malaria pathophysiology warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the association between ABO blood group phenotypes and the severity of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children.

Main Methods:

  • 121 children were assessed for ABO blood groups using agglutination.
  • Haemoglobin levels were measured using a Sysmex KX-21N analyzer.
  • Malaria parasite enumeration and Plasmodium falciparum identification were performed.

Main Results:

  • 24.3% of children presented with severe falciparum malaria.
  • No statistically significant association was found between ABO phenotypes and malaria infection (p > 0.05).
  • Blood group A showed a trend towards more severe malaria compared to blood group O (OR=0.79).

Conclusions:

  • Non-O blood group children may be more susceptible to severe P. falciparum malaria than blood group O.
  • Despite observed trends, a significant association between ABO blood groups and falciparum malaria severity was not established in this cohort.
Abstract

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