Since malaria parasites are able to attach to receptors on the red blood cell surface, it is expected that malaria parasites may have effect on some haematological parameters. Haematological parameters are often needed to assist in the management of malaria infection. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of malaria parasites on some haematological parameters in Sokoto Nigeria. To investigate the effects of malaria infection on red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, 100 malaria positive adults (15-60 years) attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria were enrolled into the study for a period of seven months; April through October 2009. Malaria parasitaemia was determined microscopically by stained thick film, packed cell volume (PCV) by microhaematocrit method, while total white blood cell count (TWBC) and platelet count (PLC) by manual methods. The total of 100 malaria infected patients and 50 apparently healthy malaria non-infected students were compared against PCV, TWBC and PLC values using student's t-test. The results of PCV and PLC showed statistically significant decrease among malaria infected patients (p<0.05) while for TWBC there was statistically significant increase (p<0.05) among 18% of malaria infected subjects. When PCV, TWBC and PLC values of males and females infected with malaria parasite were compared, the PCV value showed statistically significant decrease in females (p<0.05), while TWBC and PLC values showed no statistically significant difference between males and females (p>0.05). These findings indicate that malaria infection has an impact on some haematological parameters, therefore, malaria infection in this community contributes to the severity of anaemia and thrombocytopenia.

Background: Bronchial asthma in adults is typified by lingering allergic inflammation associated with elevation in the levels of certain acute phase reactants and indicators of mast cell activation. This study investigated the effect of corticosteroid treatment on the levels of C reactive protein (CRP), serum baseline tryptase (sBT), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) among asthmatics. Method: Forty five adult patients with bronchial asthma on treatment with inhaled corticosteroids were enrolled. Forty five blood donors were used as control. Serum levels of CRP, sBT, ESR and GM-CSF were measured using sandwich ELISA. Result: The GM-CSF, CRP, ESR and sBT were significantly elevated among asthmatics on treatment compared to normal healthy control. Significant difference in the level of GM-CSF, ESR and CRP was observed between asthmatics with mild and moderate disease severity. Conclusion: Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids does not restore the levels of GM-CSF, CRP, sBT and ESR to normalcy among asthmatics.

Objective: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Nigeria. This study was aimed at providing information on pattern of some hemostatic parameters of pulmonary TB (PTB)-infected patients. Materials and Methods: This is a comparative cross-sectional study of 102 participants comprising 51 TB-infected individuals and 51 healthy individuals as control. Five milliliters of blood were drawn from each subject and 3 ml was transferred into 0.3 ml of trisodium citrate (3.8%) anticoagulant plastic tube for the analysis of prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time using standard techniques while the remaining 2 ml was then transferred into an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid container (of what concentration) for platelet count and morphology. Result: The median interquartile range of the PLC, platelet morphology, prothrombin time (PT), and APPT was determined and comparative analysis using Chi-square was made and found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant association between hemostatic parameters (PT, activated partial thromboplastin time with kaolin [APTTK], and platelet count) and body mass index. A Kruskal–Wallis H test showed that there was a statistically significant difference in PT, APTTK, and platelet count between the different categories of patient’s Mycobacterium tuberculosis load (P < 0.005). Chi- square statistics revealed the association between APTTK and platelet count, with anti-TB drugs regimen to be statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant association between PT and anti-TB drug regimen. Conclusion: This study revealed that PTB affects hemostasis by prolongation of PT and APTTK, it is also associated with giant platelet formation and intravascular platelet aggregation.

Background: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are the only leucocytes that are competent to produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill phagocytized bacteria. In leukaemia, we hypothesized this bactericidal function might be hampered. Aim and Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess respiratory burst activity of PMN in leukaemia compared with non-leukaemic control subjects. We assessed the respiratory burst function of PMN as an effective defence against pathogens in leukaemia and control subjects. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from leukaemia and control subjects (30 in each case) in lithium heparin anticoagulant containers. Our study cases were 30 leukaemia belonging to different subtypes (AML=12, CML=12, ALL=4 and CLL=2), 22 males and 8 females age range from 2.5–63 years (M±SEM, 28.0±3.4 years); the controls were 26 males and 4 females, age range from 17–53 years (M±SEM, 31.1±1.5 years), respectively. The respiratory burst activity was assessed using the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye reduction test on stimulated and un-stimulated PMN in leukaemia and control groups. Results: The cells purity in leukaemia was >99% using Turk's solution and cells viability was >95% by Trypan blue dye exclusion test. The respiratory burst activity of PMNs showed a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) in controls compared with leukaemia subtypes. Similarly, comparison within leukaemia subtypes indicates a statistically significant increase (P<0.05) RBA in CML compared with AML, ALL and CLL, respectively. Conclusion: the respiratory burst activity of PMNs in leukaemia is variable with enhanced activity in CML subjects, while depressed in AML, ALL and CLL subtypes; suggesting impaired bactericidal capacities of PMNs in these diseases.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a complex kidney disease associated with numerous complications which can subsequently lead to cardiovascular disease among others. This study was aimed at assessing the lipid profile, serum and urinary proteins of patients with Nephrotic syndrome (NS) in Kano metropolis. A total of 50 NS patients and 25  apparently healthy volunteers(controls) were recruited for the study, made up of 32 males and 18 females with the age range of 4-70 years. Blood and urine sample were collected from the participants. Serum urea and creatinine were determined using urease  berthelot’s reaction and Alkaline picrate methods. Serum total protein and albumin were assayed using Biuret and bromocresol green binding method through the manual colorimetrictechnique. Serum lipid profile were measured by an enzymatic spectrophotomeric method and the precipitation enzymatic method was specifically used for evaluating the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Urine protein was determined using sulphur salicylic acid test. SPSS software package version 21 was used for the analysis of data. High frequency of NS of 40(80%) was observed in patients of <18 years while patient of >46 years had a lower frequency of 4(8%). Males recorded higher frequency of 32(64%) and the frequency of NS among females was 18(36%), thus the male to female ratio for NS was 1.78:1. The mean values of serum creatinine, urea, urinary protein (UP), total cholesterol (T.C), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), T.C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL/HDL-C ratio were significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients with NS than the healthy volunteers. Total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), globulin, HDL-C ratio were significantly lower (p<0.05) in NS when compared to healthy volunteers. There was positive correlation between UP and TC, TG and LDL, however, negative correlation was observed between UP and HDL-C with no statistical significance. Dyslipidemia, decreased serum protein and increase serum creatinine, Urea as well as UP were associated with NS. In conclusion, lipid profile and UP analysis may be a useful tool for diagnosis of NS and early diagnosis can reduce the disease morbidity.