Malaria parasite status and cholesterol level of malaria patients in parts of the IMO River Basin of Nigeria

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between malaria parasite status and cholesterol level of 110 consenting subjects (55 patients and 55 controls) in parts of the Imo River Basin of Nigeria.MethodsGiemsa staining was used for malaria parasite examination while Randox cholesterol kit was used for cholesterol level estimation.ResultsAbout 49 persons (90%) with malaria had low cholesterol (<180 mg/dL). Highest mean cholesterol levels were 274 mg/dL for study patients and 220 mg/dL for controls respectively; Lowest mean cholesterol levels were 168 mg/dL (patients) and 138 mg/dL (controls) respectively. Low cholesterol levels (<180 mg/dL) were found in patients (84%) and controls (6%) respectively. However, 16.4% of controls and 6% of patients had borderline cholesterol level (200-239 mg/dL). This study establishes a significant correlation (12.9%, P<0.01) between malaria parasite status and cholesterol level.ConclusionsThese findings imply that cholesterol level estimation may be a potential concurrent and valuable diagnosis for malaria status.