Experiential Relationship between Malaria Parasite Density and Some Haematological Parameters in Malaria Infected Female subjects in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the experiential relationship between the parasite density and haematological parameters in female patients with Plasmodium falciparum infection in Port Harcourt, Nigeria reporting to malaria clinics. A total of ninety (90) patients were recruited. QBC haematological analysis, QBC malaria parasite specie identification and quantification and thin blood film for differential leucocytes count was used. The mean values of the haematological parameters in respective quartile of parasite density were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Statistical Package. Regression analysis was used to model the experiential relationship between parasite density and haematological parameters. All regression relationships were tested and the relationship with the highest coefficient of determination (R²) was accepted as the valid relationship. The relationships tested included linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and power relationships. The X-axis of the regression graphs stand for the parasite density while the Y-axis stands for the respective haematological parameters. Neutrophil count had a polynomial relationship with the parasite density and is related to the parasite density by a polynomial regression equation model: y_nf = -1E-05x² + 0.0206x + 52.253 with a very high coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9784. The relationship between lymphocyte count, monocyte count and eosinophil count and parasite density in the studied group was logarithmic (y_lf = -1.992ln(x) + 35.844, y_mf = 0.3858ln(x) + 7.3623 and y_ef = 0.8454ln(x) + 4.9136) in the same order. Their respective coefficients of determination were 0.9738, 0.4065 and 0.9328. The best fitting regression equation model for WBC, Hb concentration, PCV and MCHC and parasite density was a linear regression equation models: y_WBCf = 1.5726x + 8048 , y_Hbf = -0.0007x + 12.136, y_PCVf = -0.0018x + 38.146 and  y_MCHCf = -0.0005x + 31.96  in the same order. Their respective coefficients of determination were 0.8747, 0.9617, 0.9924 and 0.9551.  A power relationship was most suitable between platelet count and parasite density with a very high coefficient of determination of 0.9955 in the studied group and expressed by equation model: y_Pltf = 302292x^{-0.14 3} These regression models developed could be very useful in areas where there may not be functional microscopes or competent microscopists and in medical emergencies.

List of Abbreviations

y_nf neutrophil count in malaria infected females

_ylf- lymphocyte count in malaria infected females

y_mf- monocyte count in malaria infected females

y_ef eosinophil count in malaria infected females

y_WBCf total white cell count in malaria infected females

y_Hbm haemoglobin concentration in malaria infected females

y_PCVf packed cell volume in malaria infected females

y_MCHCf mean cell haemoglobin concentration in malaria infected females

y_Pltf platelet count in malaria infected females

Keywords: mathematical, parasite density, malaria, Plasmodium, neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, haemoglobin, haematocrit, platelets.