Association of Malaria Parasitaemia with ABO/Rhesus Blood Group among Out-patients of Township Clinic Gwagwalada Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to determine association of malaria parasitaemia with ABO/Rhesus blood group. Methodology: A total of 150 blood samples were randomly selected and examined for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum using microscopy, blood group was determined using agglutination technique. Results: A total 92 (61.3%) were found to be infected with P. falciparum, the prevalence was highest among under five (0-10) than older groups, and higher among males 55 (63.2%) than female 37 (58.7%). Majority of the patients were rhesus positive 90(64.3%) while 2(20.0%) were rhesus negative. High percentage of blood group O, 70 (46.7%) was observed, followed by A 39(26.0%), B 34 (22.7%) and AB 7 (4.6%). All ABO blood groups showed varied presence of P. falciparum 51(72.8%), 22(56.4%), 17(50.0%) and 2(28.5%) for O, A, B and AB, respectively. Parasite density was also higher in blood group O 70 (41.69%), followed by B 34 (30.67%), and A 39 (28.09%) then AB 7 (16.84%). Conclusion: It can be concluded that malaria parasitaemia is higher in males than female and in the younger ages than the older ones. Also Blood groups O are the most susceptible to malaria infection and AB are the least infected. However further investigation is needed to clearly establish the association ABO/Rhesus blood groups and P. falciparum infection and the need for intensified control methodology of the disease and education of the populace on the effect of rhesus negative cannot be over emphasized.