ABSTRACT

Malaria still remains one of the most deadly infections in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Several studies have noted increased incidences of renal dysfunction in malaria subjects and have suggested a possible correlation between malaria pathology and renal failure. The aim of the present study was to investigate a possible correlation between kidney failure and malaria. Blood samples were obtained from 40 confirmed malaria subjects and 20 apparently healthy controls, all from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Blood samples were analyzed for serum concentrations of serum urea, creatinine, chloride, bicarbonate, sodium, and potassium. Mean urea concentration of Malaria positive subjects (5.5 1±1.88) was significantly (P<O.05) higher than in the control group (3.51±0.83). Creatinine concentration of Malaria positive group (99.4 1±15.02) increased significantly (P<0.05) over that of Control (62.38±5.95). Mean sodium concentration of Malaria positive subjects (137.90±2.43) was non- significantly (P<0.05) higher than Control (137.87±2.02).Mean potassium concentration of Malaria positive (3.70±0.33) was non-significantly (P<0.05) higher than Control (3.65±0.21).Malaria positive group (22.49±2.29) had significantly (P<0 .05) higher bicarbonate than Control (20.98±0. 86).Mean chloride concentration of Malaria positive (90.100±30.39) was significantly (P<0.05) lower than Control (103.33±0.51).The study discovered a possible correlation between malaria and increased susceptibility to renal failure. However further investigation will help identifSi the underlying biochemical mechanisms responsible for the observed correlation.