Abstract

DETERMINATION OF METHAEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN MALARIA INFECTED PATIENTS IN UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT,MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE,UMUDIKE, 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.