Effect of Hookworm Infection on Haematological Values in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

In order to study the effect of hookworm infection on haematological values, a total of 80 hookworn-infected patients and 100 apparently healthy subjects within the age range of 20-70 years were recruited at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria in Kaduna State between September 2000 and August 2001. Standard manual methods were used in carrying out haematological studies for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration, total and differential leucocyte counts. Stool samples from the participants were analysed for parasites by macroscopy, microscopy and quantitative hookworm ova counts. Result showed that hookworm-infected male patients with egg counts >10,000 per gram of faeces had significantly decreased values of PCV, haemoglobin concentration, total leucocyte counts, neutrophil, lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, when compared with the controls (P<0.001). The observation was different in the case of monocyte and basophil counts (P>0.05). In female subjects there were significant differences in all parameters (P<0.001), except in basophil counts which were not statistically significant (P>0.05). It is therefore concluded that stool microscopy should also be included when full blood counts are requested by the physician for a proper interpretation of anaemia in endemic areas, since hookworm infection can affect haematological values significantly.

Keywords: Anaemia, hookworm infection, haematological values.

Journal of Medical Laboratory Sciences Vol. 14 (1) 2005: pp. 14-18