Assessing Disease Severity in Children 0 - 2 Years Infected by P. Falciparum Post Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in 3 Tertiary Hospitals in Sierra Leone
Arthur B C Garber, Enoch Aninagyei, Hamzza Kamara, Esther Blessing Thomas, Saidu Bangura, Salamatu Koroma, Isatta Wurie, Mohamed Hindolo Samai, Babatunde Duduyemi.
Background: Malaria is the most important parasitic disease affecting humans in Africa. It is a major cause of anemia in endemic areas such as Sierra Leone. It is one of the indications for blood transfusion. An estimated 90% of deaths as a result of malaria occur in Africa, with more than two thirds of these being in children aged under 5 years. Most cases were infected with Plasmodium falciparum. The aim of this study was to correlate Plasmodium parasite density against hemoglobin level in children 0-2 prior administration of S-P.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted across three hospitals in Sierra Leone; Ola During Children Hospital, Kingharman Maternal and Children’s Hospital, and Rokupa Government Hospital. The demographic and clinical history of children 0-2 years were collected between September – November 2024 with a total sample of One Hundred and Fifty-Five (155) samples. The participants presented with signs of febrile illness, and blood sample was collected for RDT. Those with positive RDT were followed up for microscopy for malaria parasite and hemoglobin estimation.
Result: There were negative correlations between malaria parasite density and Haemoglobin concentration across the study centers; ODCH (r= 0.120, p=0.346), KGH (r=-0.344, p=0.022), RGH (r=-0.413, p=0.004). These correlations were significant in KGH and RGH centers.
Conclusion: The study highlights that malaria severity in children aged 0–2 years is strongly linked to high parasite density. Early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in reducing anemia and other complications. These findings emphasize the need for improved diagnostic practices and timely interventions to better manage malaria in young children.
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