Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu, Blessing Chimezie Didia, Getrude Uzoma Obeagu, Obioma Azuonwu
Cerebral malaria is one of the major complications of Plasmodium falciparum infection. Plasmodium malaria infection is endemic in this part of the world. The study was done to evaluate the changes in haematological profile of cerebral malaria (CM) patients attending a secondary hospital in Enugu State, Southeast, Nigeria. A total of 70 subjects were recruited for the study, 20 were cerebral malaria subjects aged 1-5 years and 50 were control subjects aged matched. The haematological profile was determined using Mindray BC-5300. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) in WBC, RBC, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and Platelets of the cerebral malaria subjects compared to the control and no significant difference (P>0.05) in absolute neutrophil, absolute lymphocyte, absolute monocyte, absolute eosinophil, and absolute basophil. The effect of cerebral malaria was seen in the red cell line and WBC. This could lead to anaemia and increased chances of low immunity to infections. The red cell line of cerebral malaria patients should be monitored to avoid anemia with its increased chances of high mortality and morbidity. The patients should be properly feed.
