Abstract:

Background and Objective: Malaria is caused by infection with protozoa parasite of the Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum is widespread in Africa while P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae infections are less common and geographical restricted. The parasites are transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, with An. Gambiae sensu stricto, An. Fenustus, and An. Arabiensis being the most prevalent in Africa. The objective of the present study is to determine the clinical features, laboratory characteristics and outcome of malaria infections, stratified by SCD status.

Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional hospital-based study which included 400 participants from December to July 2021 in Pediatric department ward at Bugando medical centre, Mwanza, Tanzania. Clinical features, laboratory diagnosis and other relevant information were collected using checklist data collection tool. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 software according to the objectives of the study. Patient with HIV infections, malnutrition and renal failure were excluded in this study.

Results: The prevalence of malaria was lower among children with SCD that it was among children without SCD (45.9% vs 54.1%). The mean hemoglobin concentration was lower in SCD as compared to non SCD (6.198 g/l vs 7.025 g/l) Convulsion and impaired consciousness were significantly lower in SCD group (3.6%) Death was significantly higher in SCD patients with malaria as compared to non SCD (1.6%).

Conclusion: The majority rate was higher among SCD group compared to the non SCD population. Jaundice, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were common in SCD however no risk factors for malaria severity or malaria related death were identified.