Effect of blood group and demographic characteristics on malaria infection, oxidative stress and haemoglobin levels in south western Nigeria.

Malaria infection generates oxidative stress which has serious effect on the haemoglobin (Hb) level of the infected individuals. This work studied the effect of blood group, age and gender on prevalence of malaria, oxidative stress and Hb level. 5 ml of blood samples were collected into EDTA bottle from 120 volunteered adult males and non-pregnant females. The plasma was separated and used to quantify oxidative stress by measuring malonaldehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels using colorimetric method, while haematological parameter and malaria parasite screening was done using a whole blood. The parasite density and MDA levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in individuals with blood group A than those with blood group B and O. SOD and Hb levels were lower in those with blood group A than those with blood group B and O. The parasite density and MDA levels were significantly higher in age group 18 - 21 years than other age groups but SOD was higher (P < 0.05) in age group 22 25 and 26 - 30 than age group 18 - 21. The parasite density and MDA were higher (P < 0.05) in males than females in this study. The findings indicate that gender, sex and blood group have impact on malaria infection and oxidative stress.