Plasmodium falciparum malaria associated with ABO blood phenotypes and socio-preventive attitudes among students of a tertiary institution in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was carried out to investigate the relationship between blood group types and P. falciparum malaria, as well as malaria preventive measures. The venous blood specimens were collected, processed, Giemsa-stained and examined microscopically. ABO groups were determined by agglutination test using Eldoncard^® kit. Data were also collected on the preventive measures using questionnaire. Out of the 307 participants 182 (59.3%) were found to be infected with P. falciparum parasites. Males and females had a prevalence of 59.7% and 57.6% respectively with no significant difference (x²= 0.83). Participants tested with group ABO and AB had a prevalence of infection of 75.0%, 70%, 45.5% and 48.5% respectively. There was a significant association between P. falciparum infection and the type of blood groups (p<0.0001). The logistic regression model showed a significant association (p<0.01) between the uses of long lasting treated (LLT) mosquito bed nets and the prevalence of infection. The present study confirmed endemicity of malaria in the area. Participants with blood Groups AB and O are less susceptible to P. falciparum infection. In addition the use of long lasting treated bed net hinders P. falciparum malaria in participants.

Keywords: malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, blood groups, LLT nets