DETERMINATION OF METHAEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN MALARIA INFECTED PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT,MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE,UMUDIKE, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA
*Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi1, Obarezi Thompson Ndubuisi2, Afoma Ifediora3, Okoro Nnenna Kalu4
1Diagnostic Laboratory Unit,University Health Services,Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
2Medical Doctor,University Health Services,Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
3Diagnostic Laboratory Unit,University Health Services,Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
4Laboartory Department, Living Word Mission Hospital, 5-7 Umuochamroad, Abayi, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The oxidative stress in malaria infection especially in severe cases are
much may be as a result of body’s defense mechanism such as release
of cytokines which bring about different signs and symptoms with
different level of severity.The release of free radicals and the use of
drug during malaria infection could affect the reducing capacity of the
enzyme system or the glutathione levels in the blood.125 sujects were
chosen for the study.80 of the subjects were infected with malaria.20
were severely infected while 60 has uncomplicated malaria
infection(mild/moderate malaria) in the University Health Services
Department of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture,
Umudike,Abia State,Nigeria.40 were apparently healthy individuals
who visisted there for other issues.The result was analysed using ttest.
The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in
the mean methaemoglobin values between the sex (P>0.05).There was significant difference
in the malaria infected patients and the apparently healthy individuals(P<0.05).There was
significant difference between the mean methaemoglobin levels of the severely infected
patients and those who had uncomplicated malaria infections(mild/moderate cases).
Keywords: Malaria, Severe Malaria, Uncomplicated Malaria And Methaemoglobin.
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