Assessment of some serum micronutrient levels in malaria parasite infected subjects in Ekpoma and Environs, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the impact of malaria parasitaemia on some serum micronutrient levels. A total of one hundred and five (105) malaria parasite positive male and female subjects, and sixty (60) apparently healthy subjects were recruited for this study. Malaria parasite diagnosis was done by microscopic examination of Thick and Thin Stained Blood Films. Results showed that malaria parasitaemia subject samples, when compared with control sample values, were significantly lower for Calcium, Cobalt, Iron and Zinc (p<0.05). The serum Copper levels was significantly higher for the malaria parasitaemia subjects in comparison with control values (p<0.05). Serum Magnesium levels were reduced in malaria parasitaemia subjects though it was not statistically significant in comparison with the control subjects (p>0.05). Because of the observed steady decrease in Calcium, Cobalt, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc serum levels and increased Copper levels with increase in severity of malaria parasitaemia, there is need for antimalarial treatment before supplementation with these micronutrients or controlled supplementation during treatment to prevent either rapid multiplication of malaria parasites or conditions associated with deficiency of these micronutrients.