The Association of ABO and Rhesus D Blood Groups with Malaria Parasitaemia among Residents in Sokoto, North Western, Nigeria

Abstract

Malaria is a life-threatening disease that is common in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This study investigated the association between ABO and Rh blood groups with malaria parasitaemia in Sokoto, Nigeria. A total of 221 blood samples were collected from subjects presenting with fever and suspected of having malaria infection using standards methods. Malaria parasite was identified by peripheral smear (thick film) and blood grouping was determined by forward and reverse grouping methods. Out of two hundred and twenty- one (221) subjects studied, 127 subjects were positive for malaria parasite. The distribution of ABO blood groups among the malaria parasitized subjects indicated that 36 were group A, 29 group B, 53 group O and 9 were group AB. The results of Rh blood group among the malaria parasitized subjects indicated that 33 were A+, 28 group B+, 9 group AB+, 47 group O+ and 3 group A-, 1group B-, 0 group AB- and 6 group O- respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between ABO and Rh blood groups with malaria parasitaemia in Sokoto. Male subjects had the highest malaria prevalence of 72 (56.7%) compared to female subjects 55 (43.3%). Study subjects within the age group of 1-5 years had the highest prevalence rate of 44 (34.7%), while those between 36-40 years had the least prevalence rate of 3 (2.4%). Subjects with no formal education had the highest prevalence rate of 53 (41.7%), while the least prevalence rate was recorded among subjects educated to tertiary level 15 (11.8%). The highest prevalence of malaria positive subjects was observed among blood group O positive individuals followed by A positive, B positive and AB positive. This study shows that blood group O positive individuals are more susceptible to malaria infection. The prevalence of malaria is higher among male and poorly educated subjects with no formal education.