Fibrinogen and C-Reactive Protein Significance in Children Infected by Plasmodium falciparum Species in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria

Malaria accounts for a considerable mortality and morbidity rate with children bearing the greatest burden. The study investigated fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) value alterations in children infected by Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) species. A case control study with a total of ninety-five microscopically confirmed P. falciparum malaria infected children and fifty apparently healthy age and gender matched controls from Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Wesley Specialist Hospital and Akpugo Community Health Centre, Enugu were recruited for the study. Fibrinogen level was determined by clauss clotting time method using sodium citrated plasma. Giemsa stained thick and thin blood film was used for parasite identification and calculation of parasite density. Serum CRP values was determined by immunoturbidimetric method. Fibrinogen levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in P. falciparum infected children (324.03 + 59.87) mg/dl as compared to the control (224.74 + 34.88) mg/dl. Parasite density showed a weak positive correlation between fibrinogen (p < 0.01, r = 0.461) and CRP (p < 0.01, r = 0.232). CRP was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in P. falciparum malaria infected children (21.52 + 35.59) mg/l as compared to the control (2.43 + 0.97) mg/l. In conclusion, P. falciparum malaria infection demonstrated a significant impact on fibrinogen and CRP.