Abstract

Measurement of C reactive protein rate in children suffering from falciparum malaria was done in order to determine its relationships according to parasite density, white blood cells, age and hemoglobin. This study was a prospective cross-sectional with descriptive and analytical purpose. It focused on 50 children aged from 0 to 15 years admitted in the Pediatric departments of university hospitals in Cocody and Treichville for malaria (Abidjan). Venous blood samples were collected on ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for blood cells count, parasite density and identification of Plasmodium falciparum. The samples, collected without EDTA were used to measure C Reactive Protein. With the blood collected, the serum was processed on the same day and preserved at -20°C. Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films were analyzed by microscope for plasmodium species and parasite densities. Hematological parameters were determined using hematology cell counter. Turbidimetric test was used for quantitative detection of C Reactive Protein. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) Version 18.0 and Excel 2007. For all test p-value <0.05 below was considered significant. High levels of C reactive protein were observed in all of patients. Younger children had higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Positive strong correlation was noted between CRP and both parasite density and leukocytes. There was negative correlation between C reactive protein rate and age. In children suffering from severe anemia, the negative correlation observed between CRP and hemoglobin level was stronger than those suffering from moderate anemia. The main finding of this study was the involvement of CRP in malaria anemia. The levels of CRP according to age in children with falciparum malaria could be used as a biomarker for assessing anemia.

Key words: Falciparum malaria, C reactive protein (CRP), children.