MALARIA DURING PREGNANCY AND EFFECTS ON WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNTS:

Malaria remains a major mosquito-borne public health concern in Nigeria, and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable due to altered immunity. A cohort study was conducted to understand the effect of malaria on white blood cell counts among pregnant women in Aba metropolis, Abia state. Blood samples were collected from consented pregnant women to test for malaria parasites using Giemsa stained thick and thin films. Full blood count was done to determine their haematological parameters. Low and high white blood cell counts was defined as WBC 12-16 x103 μL respectively according to WHO standard. Data on absolute lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes were also collected. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the women to obtain information on their socio-demographic and obstetric data. Out of a total of 225 pregnant women examined, 34 tested positives resulting to 15.1% prevalence. Age related prevalence showed that women in their late reproductive age, 45-54 years had the highest rate (23.8%) of malaria infection, while women in their mid-reproductive age 35-44 years had the lowest rate (9.3%); though there was no statistical association (χ2=1.259, P=0.739). Malaria prevalence in relation to gravidity varied significantly among the study participants (χ2=14.306, P