Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD) and Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum In Lagos

Abstract

The protective role of Glucose-6-Phosphate deficiency (G6PD) in malaria has been an issue of considerable contention in malariology and population genetics. Most reports have proposed that heterozygous females have malaria resistance similar to or greater than hemizygous males. In view of this controversy, this study was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of G6PD in malaria using RANDOX (G6PD) quantitative technique backed up with questionnaire to highlight the frequency of self-reported malaria episodes by patients attending health facilities in Lagos. Malaria diagnosis was done using standard microscopy technique. A total of 100 blood samples slide positive for P.falciparum were used in the study with 66 symptomatic patients (Group A) and 34 asymptomatic (group B). The mean parasite density (MPD) was 613.34 + 1291.6 parasite/
μL of blood ranging from 45 to 11,970 parasites/μL of blood. There were variations in G6PD activity (μ/g Hb). Patients with low or deficient G6PD (n = 28) had an MPD of 415.57 + 297.07 parasites/μL of blood. Those with normal G6PD activity (n = 71) had an MPD of 697.86 + 1516.92 parasites/μ/L of blood. This result demonstrated that patients with low G6PD activity had lower MPD which could possibly be protective though the difference was not statistically significant (F =0.539; P = 0.539). In addition, the relationship between G6PD activity (U/g Hb) and frequency of malaria occurrence showed a significant association for Group A (P<0.001)

and Group B (P = 0.003).There was no association between G6PD activity and sex (P= 0.659). In conclusion, G6PD deficiency had a protective effect in reducing the mean parasite density but this reduction was not significant. Thus, a larger study is recommended.

Keywords: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD). Parasitaemia. Plasmodium falciparum. Malaria protection. Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.