Vol. 11, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of malaria infection among individuals of different blood groups.

Materials and Methods: The study enrolled individuals aged six months and above, presenting at outpatient departments with symptoms of malaria and/or testing positive for uncomplicated malaria by rapid diagnostic test after providing written informed consent or assent. A total of 200 participants were enrolled in the study.

Results: The present study consisted of a greater percentage of females compared to males, with the bulk of the participants being youngsters aged above 5 years. 45% of the individuals were classified as having the O blood type, with the A blood group being the next most common. The laboratory data, which included leukocyte counts, haemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and C-reactive protein levels, did not show any statistically significant differences between malaria patients and ABO blood types. The prevalence of blood type O was shown to be the least common among malaria patients with haemolytic-uremic syndrome and cerebral malaria. However, no statistically significant association was seen between particular issues and ABO blood types.

Conclusion: Ultimately, there were no fatalities seen among the individuals diagnosed with malaria in this research investigation. There was no discernible correlation between ABO blood types and malaria infection. Nevertheless, individuals with blood group O have a higher prevalence of less severe malaria, making it the most prevalent blood type among malaria sufferers. Thus, individuals with blood type O who have malaria seem to have less severe clinical manifestations.