Martin Ifeanyichukwu

Evaluation of some haemostatic parameters in falciparum malaria and HIV co-infection

Abstract Background: Studies from sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic have observed high incidences of malaria and HIV co-infection. It has long been accepted that malaria causes alterations in haemostatic parameters and that HIV is associated with a wide range of haematological changes. We assessed the effect of the overlap of these infections on routine haemostatic parameters. Method: The study involved 337 subjects grouped according to their HIV and malaria status: Group 1 ‘Asymptomatic HIV seropositive, Plasmodium falciparum positive’ (n = 61); Group 2 ‘Asymptomatic HIV seropositive, P. falciparum negative’ (n = 73); Group 3 ‘Symptomatic HIV seropositive, P. falciparum positive’ (n = 49); Group 4 ‘Symptomatic HIV positive P. falciparum negative’ (n = 56); Group 5 ‘Control HIV negative, P. falciparum positive’ (n = 52) and Group 6 ‘Control HIV negative, P. falciparum negative’ (n = 46). Blood samples were taken for HIV testing, diagnosis of falciparum malaria and malaria parasite density counts. Citrated samples were used within one hour of collection for prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). CD4+ T cell counts, platelet count and haematocrit (Hct) were also performed. Results: Our results demonstrate greater alterations in APTT, PT and platelet count with prolongation of APTT, PT and lower platelet counts in HIV and malaria co-infection. In spite of this, the co-infected subjects with mild to moderate parasitaemia did not show a bleeding tendency; however, the risk is higher in severe malaria. Conclusion: These results suggest that co-infected subjects with severe malaria have a higher risk of bleeding and would require greater monitoring.

Effect of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy Duration on Reticulocyte Count and Red Cell Indices

Aim: To determine the Red cell indices and Reticulocyte count values in HIV-positive patients under antiretroviral treatment and those not under antiretroviral treatments with varying durations of HIV infection and antiretroviral treatments. Study Design: Case-control study. Place and duration of Study: The study was carried out at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria from March to August 2013. Methodology: 181 subjects were recruited consisting; Sixty (30 males and 30 females) HIV subjects under antiretroviral therapy (ART) with an HIV infection and ART duration of 5 –8 years and >8–17 years; Sixty (25 males and 35 females) HIV subjects