The Interaction between Malaria Parasites and Blood Groups in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

The link between blood group Rhesus antigens and different malaria parasites as well as the prevalence of other Plasmodium species were studied among adults in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Thick blood smears and filter paper blood spots were made from finger prick for microscopy and molecular genotyping of parasite strains. Two hundred and forty six participants aged 16-60 years attending the Braithwaite Memorial Hospital and blood donors presenting at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Blood Bank were enrolled into the study. Blood samples were analysed for ABO antigen grouping using commercially prepared potent antisera. Isolated DNA was extracted from dried filter papers and analysed for Plasmodium specie identification using nested PCR method. Results obtained reveal that blood group O was most prevalent while the least was blood group AB. Parasitaemia results by microscopy shows that blood group O Rh positive was the highest with 163 (66.2%) followed by blood group A Rh positive 43 (17.5%), B Rh positive 26 (10.6%), O Rh negative 7 (2.85%), AB Rh positive 5 (2.03%), B Rh negative 1 (0.41%) and A Rh negative 1(0.41%). Nested PCR revealed the presence of low prevalence of P. ovale and P. malariaespecies (4.3% each) and a very high prevalence of P. falciparum (82.1%) as well as mixed infections of the species. These results show the association of blood groups, rhesus positivity and Plasmodium parasites as well as the presence of ovale and malariae in the study area.