Evaluation of Some Inflammatory Markers of Malaria Infected Subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is a highly inflammatory disease characterised by periodic fever, headache, and nausea, which correspond to the rupture of infected erythrocytes and the release of merozoites that replicate within the host to produce newly formed daughter parasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected inflammatory markers in malaria-infected subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This study therefore sought to contribute to the prevention of complications arising from malaria parasitaemia. A cross-sectional case-control design was used. A total of 400 participants aged 1–65 years were included; 200 were positive for malaria parasites and 200 were negative. Ten millilitres of venous blood was collected from each subject. C-reactive protein (CRP) was analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was analysed using the Westergren method, while plasma fibrinogen concentration was analysed quantitatively using the STA-Compact and Clauss clotting method. Malaria parasites were estimated by microscopy of thick and thin blood films stained with Giemsa. GraphPad Prism version 9.0.4 was used for data analysis. Mean CRP (52.09 ± 36.16), fibrinogen (514.80 ± 388.20), and ESR (39.41 ± 27.24) levels were significantly elevated in malaria-infected subjects compared with controls (5.94 ± 8.40, 247.50 ± 120.10, and 8.76 ± 3.84, respectively; P = .05). Significant differences were also identified between infected males (FIB 488.00 ± 18.75; ESR 35.31 ± 25.01) and infected females (FIB 541.52 ± 51.60; ESR 43.50 ± 28.82) at P = .05. These findings indicate sex-specific differences, particularly higher fibrinogen and ESR levels in females, suggesting a potentially more pronounced inflammatory response or altered haemostasis in women.