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Prevalence of malaria and anaemia in asymptomatic HIV infected children in Lagos


A.N. David
M.Y. Jinadu
T.A. Gbajabiamila
E.C. Herbertson
A.E. Wapmuk
O.O. Odubela
Z.A. Musa

Abstract

Malaria and HIV are causes of severe morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa. Individuals with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk of clinical malaria and severe illness. Sub-Saharan Africa has a high HIV prevalence. Anemia as a complication of malaria has been associated with increased mortality in HIV-infected children. This study determined the prevalence of malaria in asymptomatic HIV positive children, and the association between malaria and hematologic parameters in the study population. It is a cross sectional study conducted at the Out Patients’ Clinic, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos. Study population comprised HIV infected children aged 1 year - 14 years. 151 children participated in the study between June and November 2016 after a detailed informed consent process. Malaria parasite density, hemoglobin and CD4 cell counts were determined. The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia among participants was 14.6%. Majority had a CD4 count > 500 cells/μL (85.1%). The prevalence of anemia (Hb < 11.0g/dL) was 29.1% in the study population. No statistically significant association was found between CD4 count and hemoglobin concentration with malaria parasitaemia. This study revealed a low prevalence of malaria and anemia amongst asymptomatic HIV positive children.

Keywords: Malaria, Anaemia, CD4, Children, HIV, Prevalence, Lagos


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eISSN: 1694-2078
print ISSN: 1694-2086