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Variation in haematological parameters in children less than five years of age with asymptomatic Plasmodium
Adama Gansane1, Issa Nebie Ouedraogo, Noelie Bere Henry
1Centre National de Recherche et de Formation sur le Paludisme, Kadiogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. agansane.cnrfp@fasonet.bf
Insights
Children with asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in malaria-endemic areas show altered haematological profiles. These findings highlight the need for careful interpretation of blood counts in these populations, especially for vaccine trials.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Malaria is a significant public health issue, particularly in endemic regions, affecting children's health.
- Plasmodium infection targets red blood cells (RBCs), leading to changes in hematological parameters.
- Understanding these hematological variations is crucial for managing childhood malaria and assessing immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe the hematological profiles of children with asymptomatic Plasmodium infection compared to uninfected children in a malaria-endemic area.
- To identify specific hematological parameters affected by asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in children.
- To provide insights for interpreting hematological data in children participating in vaccine trials in malaria-endemic regions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a rural area of Burkina Faso during the peak malaria transmission season.
- Blood samples were collected from children for malaria diagnosis and complete blood count (CBC).
- Hematological parameters of 222 asymptomatic Plasmodium-infected children were compared with 192 uninfected children.
Main Results:
- Asymptomatic Plasmodium-infected children had significantly lower mean hemoglobin levels (10.4 g/dL vs. 10.8 g/dL).
- Infected children exhibited significantly lower mean lymphocyte and platelet counts compared to controls.
- A higher mean monocyte count and lower mean red blood cell (RBC) count were observed in infected children.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic Plasmodium infection in children is associated with distinct alterations in hematological parameters, including reduced hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and platelets.
- These hematological changes necessitate careful consideration when evaluating the health status and immune responses of children in malaria-endemic areas.
- Findings underscore the importance of specialized interpretation of hematological data for children in vaccine trials within these regions.
Abstract:
During the season of high malaria transmission, most children are infected by Plasmodium, which targets red blood cells (RBCs), affecting haematological parameters. To describe these variations, we examined the haematological profiles of two groups of children living in a malaria-endemic area. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the peak of the malaria transmission season in a rural area of Burkina Faso. After informed consent and clinical examination, blood samples were obtained from the participants for malaria diagnosis and a full blood count. Of the 414 children included in the analysis, 192 were not infected with Plasmodium, whereas 222 were asymptomatic carriers of Plasmodium infection. The mean age of the infected children was 41.8 months (range of 26.4-57.2) compared to 38.8 months (range of 22.4-55.2) for the control group (p = 0.06). The asymptomatic infected children tended to have a significantly lower mean haemoglobin level (10.8 g/dL vs. 10.4 g/dL; p < 0.001), mean lymphocyte count (4592/µL vs. 5141/µL; p = 0.004), mean platelet count (266 x 10³/µL vs. 385 x 10³/µL; p < 0.001) and mean RBC count (4.388 x 10(6)/µL vs. 4.158 x 10(6)/µL; p < 0.001) and a higher mean monocyte count (1403/µL vs. 1192/µL; p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Special attention should be applied when interpreting haematological parameters and evaluating immune responses in asymptomatic infected children living in malaria-endemic areas and enrolled in vaccine trials.
