A. O. Emeribe

In vivo platelet aggregation in acute malaria

Thirteen patients suffering from acute malaria attack and thirteen apparently healthy human volunteers (control) were used for the study. Platelet aggregation was determined by platelet count ratio technique in which a reduction in platelet count ratio signified an increase in platelet aggregation. Platelet count ratio in acute malaria patients was 0.75 +/- 0.03 (SEM). Platelet count ratio in subjects used as control was 0.88 +/- 0.02. This value was significantly higher than the former (P less than 0.001). Platelet count ratio correlated negatively with the degree of parasitaemia (r = -0.71; P less than 0.01). ADP, a platelet aggregating drug, also reduced platelet count ratio in rats significantly. Acute malaria attack therefore enhances platelet aggregation in vivo.

Hypofibronectinaemia and severity of sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria

Plasma fibronectin levels in sickle cell anaemia and apparently healthy Nigerians were investigated to determine any correlation with disease severity. A cheaper in‐house plasma fibronectin assay was also developed that could be adapted for use in Africa and elsewhere. Plasma fibronectin assay was concurrently carried out using the newly developed inhibition enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a commercial competitive binding ELISA. The in‐house assay compared favourably with that of the commercial kit. The mean plasma fibronectin levels in sickle cell anaemia subjects were significantly lower than that of control subjects (P < 0·001). Plasma fibronectin concentration could therefore be useful in assessing the severity of sickle cell anaemia.