Emmanuel Kufre Uko

Depression of platelet counts in apparently healthy children with asymptomatic malaria infection in a Nigerian metropolitan city.

Asymptomatic malaria infection is a common feature of malaria endemic regions in the tropics. In this prospective cross sectional survey, involving 240 children aged 1 to 8 years (Boys = 117, Girls = 123; Ratio 1:1.05), the median platelet count was 115 × 109/L (IQR 97.5–190). Thirty-three out of 240 (13.75%) of the children had thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 100 × 109/L). Malaria parasite was found to exert significant reduction in platelet count. This reduction was more pronounced in children under 5 years and also at higher parasite counts. An inverse relationship was established between parasite density and platelet count (y = −0.017x + 96.2, r = −0.2). Thrombocytopenia is not only a feature of acute malaria infection but also that of asymptomatic malaria infection in the tropics and might be a useful indicator of malaria in children.

Iron deficiency anaemia and evaluation of the utility of iron deficiency indicators among healthy Nigerian children

Abstract The hemoglobin (Hb), serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TS) and serum ferritin (SF) values of 240 apparently healthy children were determined in a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Standard colorimetric and enzyme immunoassay procedures were used for the estimation all variables. The mean values of all parameters in this study population were; Hb (11.2 ± 1.83 gldl), TIBC (361.4 ± 245.7 ugldl, logc SI (1.807 ± 0.45), logc SF (1.51 = 0.47) and TS (29.3 ± 18.5%). There was an age-dependent statistical significant difference in the Hb, TIBC and TS values (P < 0.01). Sex was not found to exert any significant influence on the parameters except TIBC. TS had the highest sensitivity and efficiency values of 48 and 95%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV), likelihood ratio (LR+) and post-test probability values were highest with SF (58%, 3.3 and 62.2%, respectively) as a diagnostic indicator. Hb values correlated positively and significantly with TS (P < 0.01), logc SI and logc SF concentrations (P < 0.05). Logc SF also correlated positively and significantly with Hb and TIBC (P < 0.05). The overall prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among these children was 33.75%. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among apparently healthy children under the age of five years in this part of the world and these results may justify the need for the introduction of a broad intervention programme for this highly vulnerable group. This study is also in support of the hypothesis that SF is the best test for diagnosing or excluding iron deficiency anaemia. The combination of SF, Hb and TS determinations may prove more useful in a resource-limited moderate setting.

Comparative analysis of malaria parasite density using actual and assumed white blood cell counts

Abstract Aim: To compare malaria parasite densities, calculated using the white cell counts (WBC) of individual children with a standard WBC count of 8.0 × 109/L. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence of malaria WBCs and malaria parasite densities were estimated in 240 healthy Nigerian children aged 1–8 years. Results: Of 240 children, 75 (31.25%) were infected with malaria, 69 (28.75%) with P. falciparum and 9 (3.75%) with other species. The mean (SD) WBC count was 5.1 (2.0) × 109/L. There was an age-related significant difference in the mean WBC counts (t=2.000, p<0.05), with values higher in the under-5s [5.6 (2.0) × 109/L] than in the ≥5-years group [5.0 (1.8) × 109/L]. No significant difference was observed with regard to gender and malaria infection. The mean (SD) parasite densities of P. falciparum obtained using the assumed value of 8.0 × 109/L [1936 (1119.5)] was significantly higher than the parasite densities estimated using the individual WBC counts [1140 (862.8) for P. falciparum] (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Parasite density estimation using the assumed count of 8.0 × 109/L might result in over-estimation of the parasite burden. The WBCs of individual patients should always be estimated when parasite density is required.

Haemoglobin electrophoretic pattern among resident in Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract Background: Haemoglobinopathies are inherited disorders of haemoglobin synthesis that are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality all over the world. Communities in Africa constitute a major part of

Malarial iron-deficiency anaemia among asymptomatic Nigerian children

Purpose. There is widespread subclinical (asymptomatic) malaria in our locality. The effects exerted by malaria on the body iron status remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malarial iron‐deficiency anaemia and the effect of asymptomatic malaria on iron status indicators.Design. A cross‐sectional prospective study.Methods. Seven parameters, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, malaria parasite, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin, and percentage transferrin saturation, were evaluated among 240 children of both genders, aged 1–8 years. Estimation of the variables was carried out using standard haematological, colorimetric and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay procedures.Results. Of the 240 children surveyed, 66 (27.5%) were parasitized with Plasmodium falciparum. The overall prevalence of iron‐deficiency anaemia (defined as haemoglobin <11 g dl−1, serum ferritin <12 ng ml−1 and transferrin saturation <16%) i...

Absolute lymphocyte count as a marker for CD4 lymphocyte count: criterion for initiating antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected Nigerians

BACKGROUND Few laboratories in resource-constrained countries can afford to perform laboratory-monitoring tests required for the implementation of HIV therapy. In this case control study, we have investigated the relevance of absolute lymphocyte count as a surrogate marker for CD4 lymphocyte count as a criterion for initiating HAARTin HIV-infected Nigerians. METHODS A total of 100 consecutive recruited HIV-infected, previously antiretroviral naive persons and 30 HIV-negative individuals blood samples were run for absolute lymphocyte and CD4 lymphocyte counts and results were compared by a model of linear regression analysis. RESULTS An overall modest correlation was observed between absolute lymphocyte count and CD4 lymphocyte (r = 0.51) and at CD4 lymphocyte threshold relevant for clinical management of HIV-infected; <200, 200-350 and >350 cells/microL (r = 0.41, 0.30 and 0.21) respectively. Mean absolute lymphocyte count of 1.60 +/- 0.77 x 10(9)/L, 1.88 +/- 1.11 x 10(9)/L and 2.04 +/- 0.54 x 10(9)/L was equivalent respectively to CD4 of <200, 200-350 and >350 cells/microL. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a modest correlation between absolute and CD4 lymphocyte counts of HIV-infected Nigerians and at CD4 lymphocyte count threshold significant for clinical management of HIV-infected. Absolute lymphocyte count can become a minimal inexpensive alternative to CD4 lymphocyte count in conjunction with WHO staging and clinical status of patient in determining the optimal time to initiate therapy particularly in resource limited settings where other expensive methods of CD4 enumeration are unavailable.

Disharmony and lack of teamwork among health professionals; an emerging challenge in the management of blood disorders in Nigeria

D the significant recent advances in the therapeutics for cancer, it still remains extremely difficult to treat advanced cancers with organ involvement and distant metastasis. A manufacturing technology for antigen-presenting cell (APC)-based immunotherapy is being developed, with active dendritic cell (DC), the most potent APCs of the immune system, being under investigation for therapeutic vaccination against cancer for strong induction of the T-cells against tumor antigens. The ex vivo technique is being developed for DC-based cancer vaccination, most of which is the preparation of autologous mature monocytederived DCs derived from apheresis of patients’ blood. Cancer vaccine therapies are principally attributed to the presence of tumorassociated antigens. Wilms tumor 1 (WT1), an attractive target antigen widely expressed in every cancer, sarcoma and leukemia has been shown to the most potent cancer-associated antigens for immunotherapy. DC vaccine loaded with HLA class I/II-restricted WT1 peptides may be potentially strong therapeutic activity against cancers. DC-based immunotherapy targeting WT1 was indicated to be safe and feasible for the management of advanced cancers including pancreas, lung and ovary, exhibiting ‘delayed separation’ curve in some patients. The vaccination would be feasible option even for patients with malignant brain tumor and acute leukemia after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to control minimum residual disease. In future, the blockade of immune checkpoints in combination with DC-vaccination would be promising therapeutic strategies to activate therapeutic anti-tumor immunity for advanced cancers and hematological malignancies.D the high job-related risk of exposure to sexually -transmitted diseases including HBV and HCV among the military, there is paucity of data regarding Hepatitis B and C viruses’ prevalence among military personnel in Nigeria. The aim of this present study therefore was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV among military personnel in the Niger Delta of Nigeria. In this cross-sectional case study, a total of One hundred and fifty military personnel aged 20 and 55 years attending the Nigerian Army Hospital, Air Force Clinic and Police Clinic in Port-Harcourt in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were consecutively recruited for the study. Samples were tested for HBV and HCV using Acon Diagnostics (USA) HBsAg and anti-HCV kits. Results of the study showed an overall HBV and HCV prevalence rate of 4% and 0% respectively. The prevalence of HBV was significantly higher among subjects in the 20-39 years age group (4%) compared to 40-55 (3.85%) (p = 0.05). The HBV prevalence was investigated based on gender of subjects. The HBV prevalence was concentrated among male subjects (4.76%) compared to female (0%) military personnel (p = 0.001). There is need for the development of a strategic plan that integrates STIs into existing prevention and control programme particularly among the military to foster behavior change through information dissemination. Policies should be instituted to make condoms regularly available and freely distributed among military personnel to reduce the risk of HBV and other sexually transmitted infections. There is the need for an effective voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) and sentinel surveillance survey among military personnel. A fully integrated and comprehensive care and support system including provision of universal access to hepatitis B vaccination, treatment and support for military personnel should be establishment.I thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare and potentially fatal disease that is due to platelet-von Willebrand Factor microthrombi in the circulation. The discovery of ADAMTS13, its role in cleaving unusually-large von Willebrand Factor multimers, and the detection of autoantibodies directed against this essential enzyme have reinforced the important roles of plasmapheresis and immunosuppression in patients with this critical illness. TTP disease pathogenesis, routine and novel laboratory markers for diagnosing and following patients with TTP, and up-to-date treatment strategies will be covered in this lecture. Jay S. Raval, J Blood Disord Transfus 2013, 4:5 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2155-9864.S1.002OBJECTIVE To report the frequencies of BCR-ABL transcript variants studied in Sudanese patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 112 CML patients who attended at different clinics of Khartoum state, Sudan from February 2007 to December 2010. Transcript analysis was successful in 109 venous blood and bone marrow samples using quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS The transcripts analysis of 109 patients showed that 32.1% (35/109) expressed one or both of the P210 BCR/ABL rearrangements (b2a2 and b3a2). Of those 35 (32.1%), 21 patients expressed b2a2, 6 expressed b3a2, and 8 expressed both transcripts b2a2/b3a2. The remaining 74 patients revealed transcripts combination of P190 BCR/ABL and P210 BCR/ABL (e1a2/b2a2/b3a2), of which 19 patients had all the transcripts (e1a2/b2a2/b3a2), 33 revealed 2 transcripts (e1a2/b2a2), and the remaining 22 patients had (e1a2/b3a2). CONCLUSION The frequencies of BCR-ABL rearrangements in the Sudanese population demonstrated distinct profiles in contrast with the frequencies reported in similar studies conducted in other geographical regions.This might be due to the distinct ethnic group involved in this study which has been supported further by reported distinct genetic profiles in Sudanese patients with bladder and breast cancer.Case report: A 52-year-old female with a history of cholelithiasis presented with abdominal pain and jaundice. Physical exam revealed RUQ tenderness without guarding. Laboratory findings showed normal cell counts with elevated bilirubin and liver enzymes. MRCP revealed gallstones with biliary sludge and she underwent ERCP with sphincterotomy. Post-ERCP, she developed severe epigastric pain with vomiting and worsening jaundice. Labs revealed elevated lipase consistent with ERCP induced pancreatitis. After four days, she developed acute anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Laboratory data showed elevated bilirubin, LDH and low Haptoglobin levels. Kidney biopsy confirmed thrombotic microangiopathy. Atypical HUS was diagnosed based on low ADAMTS 13 activity, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia in the presence of pancreatic and renal dysfunction. Therapy with eculizumab was initiated and laboratory findings after 10-weeks of eculizumab therapy showed improvement of platelet count, anemia and renal recovery.

Frequency of foetal haemoglobin and haemoglobin values in various haemoglobin genotypes in Calabar, Nigeria

T protein (TXNIP) is involved in various cellular processes includingredox control, metabolism, differentiation, growth and apoptosis. With respect tohematopoiesis, TXNIP has been shown to play roles in natural killer cells, dendritic cells andhematopoietic stem cells. Our study investigates the role of TXNIP in erythropoiesis. Weobserved a rapid and significant increase of TXNIP transcript and protein levels in mouseerythroleukemia (MEL) cells treated with DMSO or HMBA, inducers of erythroiddifferentiation. The upregulation of TXNIP was not abrogated by addition of the antioxidantN-acetylcysteine. The increase of TXNIP expression was confirmed in another model oferythroid differentiation, G1E-ER cells, which undergo differentiation upon activation of theGATA1 transcription factor. In addition, we showed that TXNIP levels are inducedfollowing inhibition of p38 or JNK MAPKs. We also observed an increase in iron uptakeand a decrease in transferrin receptor protein upon TXNIP overexpression, suggesting a rolein iron homeostasis. In vivo, flow cytometry analysis of cells from TXNIP-/mice revealed anew phenotype of impaired terminal erythropoiesis in the spleen, characterized by a partialblock between basophilic and late basophilic/polychromatic erythroblasts. Based on our data,TXNIP emerges as a novel regulator of terminal erythroid differentiation.A is a differentiation agent that revolutionized the treatment of a rare subtype of AML (APL, 5~10% of AML). However, it has not been useful for other subtypes of AML. Here, we explore the effect of SALL4, a newly identified stem cell factor, on cellular differentiation and growth arrest in the presence of ATRA treatment. Aberrant SALL4 protein expression has been found in all types of AML patient samples, while in normal blood cells, SALL4 expression is only restricted in the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) populations. The reason is that SALL4 activation in AML may prevent the blast cells from differentiating and/or protect self-renewal that was normally seen in HSPCs. Indeed, in both APL and nonAPL AML cells, a ~75% reduction of SALL4 levels caused significant upregulation of CD11B positive differentiated myeloid cells, along with a correspondingly increasing of apoptotic marker Annexin V activity. In these cells, co-treatment of ATRA induced further increment of cellular differentiation and growth arrest as judged by Wright-Giemsa staining, superoxide anion production and flow cytometry assays. In addition, SALL4 knockdown and ATRA exhibit a synergistic enhancement in impairing tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model of AML cells. Further molecular studies confirmed that SALL4 associates with retinoic acid receptor A (RARA) and modulates ATRA-regulated target genes. These results suggest that SALL4 functions asa component of the RAR co-repressor complex with an inhibitory effect on ATRA-induced cellular differentiation and that SALL4 plays a role in ATRA-mediated differentiation as an important aspect of leukemia therapy.Abstract Background: Safety of blood and blood products is of global concern in transfusion medicine especially as it concerns the transfusion transmissible malaria infection scourging the tropics. Malaria parasite alsoH unfractionated heparin (a complex polysaccharide classified as a glycosaminoglycan) has been used in the treatment and prevention of thromboembolic disorders. However, due to complications associated with heparin (such as bleeding and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia), low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) have been developed and are being used in place of unfractionated heparin. LMWHs have proven effective as antithrombotic agents; however, the effects of LMWHs cannot be readily reversed, while unfractionated heparin can be reversed by protamine sulfate. The overall goal of this project was to characterize an anti-thrombin (AT)-specific RNA aptamer that will combine the safety and efficacy of LMWH with the reversibility of unfractionated heparin. The author has developed an RNA molecule (aptamer) that binds to AT. Results show that this molecule is able to enhance the inhibition of factor Xa by AT. It was suspected that this aptamer mimics the action of LMWH by binding to the D-helix of AT. Proof of this concept is established by the work of Rusconi et al. who developed an RNA aptamer and RNA aptamer antidote directed against coagulation factor IXa. The factor IXa aptamer completely inhibits the activation of factor X. Its anticoagulant action is controlled by the antidote, which is able to reverse the effects of the factor IXa aptamer within seconds. Preliminary data is present suggesting that an antidote to the AT aptamer has the ability to reverse its activity. If successful, this aptamer/antidote pair will have advantages over LMWHs because not only will it be able to control thrombosis in a fashion similar to LMWHs, but the availability of an antidote will allow for better therapeutic regulation and intervention.Anaemia is a problem of global public health importance. This case control study investigated the prevalence and socio-economic factors associated with anaemia in UDUTH Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 403 women attending ANC in in Sokoto, Nigeria constituted the subjects. Controls included 200 aged-matched and non-pregnant women. Haematocrit and the haemoglobin concentration was determined using the Swelab haematology analyzer. Subjects were aged 18-44 years with mean age of 32.32 ± 10.60. The mean haematocrit and haemoglobin levels were significantly lower among pregnant subjects (29.63 ± 3.4 and 9.7 ± 1.1) compared to non – pregnant controls (38.33 ± 5.4 and 12.75 ± 1.8) (p=0.001). Out of the 403 women, 228 (55.6%) were anaemic while 175 (43.4%) were non anaemic. Anaemia was significantly lower among highly educated (p= 0.034) and marginally higher among less-remunerated subjects (p=0.678). Anaemia was significantly higher among pregnant women in polygamous relationships (p= 0.01) and among multigravidae women (p= 0.04).This study indicates a high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria. We advocate that routine haemoglobin be included in antenatal care protocol of pregnant women, that targeted iron supplementation, antihelminthic therapy, use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) and intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) be implemented.Aims: Alcoholism is a global public health problem with significant socioeconomic implications. The aim was to investigate the effect of alcoholism on the haematological Original Research Article International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health, 4(2): 224-232, 2014 225 and haemostatic parameters of consecutively recruited alcoholics in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State and North Western Nigeria. Study Design and Methodology: This prospective case-control study included one hundred adults alcoholics [≥18 years), aged range (18-60), mean age (38.46 ± 13.26) and made up of 68 males (68%) and 32 females (32%)]. Fifty gender and age matched nonalcoholics were monitored as controls. Ethical approval was obtained from the research and ethics committee in the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, North Western Nigeria. Written informed consent was obtained from all study subjects after counselling. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the service laboratory in the Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science in Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto North Western Nigeria between May 2011 to February, 2012. Result: Participants for this study included 50 heavy alcoholics and 50 moderate alcoholics (subjects) and 50 age and gender –matched non-alcoholics (controls). Platelet count of non-alcoholics, moderate and heavy alcoholics was; 260.7 ± 48.17, 253.3 ± 43.16 and 130.6 ± 6.79 respectively. Platelet count was significantly lower among heavy alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics (p=0.0001). Although marginally higher, there was no statistically significant difference in the platelet count of moderate alcoholics and nonalcoholics (p=0.10). We observed a negative correlation between platelet count and duration of alcoholism (r=-0.62). The mean prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) values of non-alcoholics, moderate alcoholics and heavy alcoholics was; (14.46 ± 0.97 and 34.82 ± 13.71), (15.74 ± 1.26 and 35.78 ± 3.50) and (19.46 ± 0.93 and 43.42 ± 5.13) respectively. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time values were significantly lower among heavy alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics (p=0.0001). PT and APTT were marginally higher among moderate alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics but the difference however was not statistically significant (p= 0.08 and 0.62 respectively). We observed a positive correlation between duration of alcoholism and prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time (r = 0.46 and 0.55 respectively). Conclusion: Our study has shown that alcoholism produces a significant adverse effect on some haematological and haemostatic parameters. Evidenced data generated from this study can facilitate the development of a policy on the effective management of haematological and haemostatic complications associated with alcoholism. There is need to enact laws that regulate the production, sales and consumption of various alcoholic beverages to prevent abuse and protect the health of citizens.The frequency of foetal haemoglobin (HbF) and haemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined among 108 subjects with different haemoglobin genotypes in Calabar, between March and October, 1996. Hb-genotype was determined using the cellulose acetate method, while HbF and Hb were estimated using the modified Betke alkaline denaturation method and cyanmethaemoglobin techniques respectively. Haemoglobin genotype SS individuals had the highest mean HbF concentration of (3.05 +/- 1.61) as compared to AA and AS subjects with means of 0.195 +/- 0.25 and 1.072 +/- 0.98 respectively. This relationship was statistically significant (P < 0.02). On the other hand, AA subjects had the highest mean haemoglobin concentration (12.79 +/- 1.19) while SS subjects had the lowest (10.65 +/- 2.06). This study has indicated the persistence of HbF into adult life in this locality. Since HbF is associated with natural anti-sickling properties, its role as a monitoring factor in the management of sickle cell anaemia is examined in detail.

Uncommon Rh Phenotypes in a Cross Section of Nigerian Antenatal Women: Implications for Molecular Genotyping of Blood Groups

Background: This study aimed to determine the frequency of rare blood group antigens among pregnant women in Port Harcourt Metropolis. Methods: The frequencies of Rh antigens and phenotypes of the pregnant women in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria, were determined, using standard serologic techniques. Results: Of the 374 pregnant women studied, the frequencies of the Rh antigens within the population were D (89.0%), c (82.0%), e (54.0%), C (24.3%), E (20.1%). The frequencies of the Rh antithetical antigens were DD/Dd (91.2 %), Cc (19,5%), cc (84.5%), Ee (13.9%), ee (54.3%), CC (25.1%), EE (19.8%) and dd (10.4%). Seven (1.9%) were found to be Rhnull, sixteen(4.3%) were found to be D-- or exalted D. Phenotypes without RhD reactivity were –c- (2.9%), - Cc (0.3%), -C- (0.3%), -Ee (0.5%) and –E- (0.3%). The most frequently occurring Rh phenotype was Dccee with a frequency of (25.8%). RhD-ve was found to be significantly associated with HDN outcome ( 2=6.605 and P=0.01). Conclusion: We concluded that: 1) There is the presence of uncommon Rh phenotypes in our population. 2) Rhnull exists in this study population of which similar studies have not been reported in Nigeria. 3) There is need to conduct studies in other parts of Nigeria in order to compare the frequencies of these rare blood groups in Nigerian population. 4) Molecular studies to establish reasons for deletion and Rhnull phenotypes among Nigerian and Africans in general are hereby advocated.

Baseline Iron Status of Apparently Healthy Children in Port Hacourt, Nigeria

Aim: Iron deficiency is one of the micronutrient disorder affecting mostly children in the developing countries. There is paucity of information on this subject in our locality. Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the baseline iron status of apparently healthy children aged 1-8 years in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria. Methods: Four biochemical iron indicators; serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TS) and serum ferritin(SF), were used for the assessment. Standard colorimetric and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedures were followed for the estimation of all variables. Results: The mean values of the parameters estimated were serum iron, 19.8 + 21.8 umol/l; TIBC, 62.9 + 46.0 umol/l, transferrin saturation, 29.2 + 18.5 %, serum ferritin, 50.6 + 62.3 nglml The mean values of all the parameters estimated in the under fives were found to be significantly lower than the values obtained in the five to 8 years group (P < 0.01). Similarly a sex related difference in the mean values was obtained in all variables except transferrin saturation. The prevalence of iron deficiency among the participants by single ferritin (<15 nglml) model was 13.75%. Combination of serum ferritin (< 15 nglml) and transferrin saturation (< 16%) gave a prevalence of 7.5%. Conclusion: We concluded that iron deficiency is more pronounced among children under five years of age and this finding in consistent with what obtains in the literature worldwide.