SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SEVERE MALARIA IN ASSOCIATION WITH ABO BLOOD GROUPING SYSTEM AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI MEDICAL CENTER, BAUCHI STATE

Abstract

The chemistry between malaria parasites and blood group antigens remains a fascinating subject with potential to contribute to the development of new interventions to reduce the global burden of malaria. Elucidation of the association between the blood groups status and infection with P. falciparum can bring about understanding of the differences noted in the ABO blood group variation. A cross-sectional study of 100 patients were clinically examined to determine the ABO blood group system and its association with severe malaria pathogenesis of patients who were tested positive to malaria infection via microscopy at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi Medical Center, Bauchi State. Data entry was done in MS word, database management and analysis were done using Statistical Package for Social and Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software. The result shows that 17 (16%), 4 (4%), 3 (3%) and 77 (77%) of respondents belong to the A, B, AB and O blood groups. Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Red Blood Cell (RBC) and Parasite Density were significantly associated (F=2.906, p=0.038<0.05), (F=4.996, p=0.003<0.05) and (F=3.108, p=0.030<0.05) with blood groups. This study suggests that during P. falciparum infection, blood group O individuals are conferred with a protective advantage, blood group A individuals are at a disadvantage, while blood groups B and AB has an intermediate effect.