Comparative Effects of HIV and Malaria Infections on Certain a Haematological Indices in Children - A Hospital Based Study in Enugu

Abstract

This one-year hospital based study investigated the effects of malaria and HIV infections on certain haematological indices in children aged 0 13 years old. HIV screening was carried out using the quick test kits for HIV-1 HIV-2 while malaria parasitaemia was determined by using both thin and thick peripheral blood films stained with Leishman's and Geimsa stains examined under microscope. Hb levels of PCV was also carried out, Total and differential white cell counts were determined. The results showed that the higher the malaria parasitaemia, the lower the PCV and total white cell count with a higher neutrophil level. HIV infections caused a decrease in PCV and an increase in total white cell count with increased lymphocyte levels. Both infections decreased PCV to levels indicative of moderately severe anaemia. In high malaria endemic regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, a co-infection with HIV would not only worsen anaemia because of its adverse effects on blood cells but increase the mortality rates among the paediatric age as we observed in only one patient with HIV co-morbid malarial infection.