Publications scientifiques
Borris Rosnay Galani Tietcheu
Autres affiliations : University of Ngaoundéré
Arnaud Fondjo Kouam* (Auteur correspondant)
Autres affiliations : University of Ngaoundéré
Noé Auguste Nseké Ngoumé
Autres affiliations : University of Douala
Eléonore Ngounou
Nembu Erastus Nembo
Armelle Gaelle Kwesseu Fepa
Frédéric Nico Njayou
Paul Fewou Moundipa
Zerubabel Wainfen
Pascal Dieudonné Djamen Chuisseu
Egyptian Liver Journal
Abstract Background Malaria is an endemic mosquito-borne disease in sub-Saharan regions, including Cameroon. Due to the obligatory hepatic stage of its pathogenic agents, malaria can induce liver damage if not properly treated. Hence, we assessed the impact of malaria infection on liver transaminases among febrile patients consulting at the Deido District Hospital, Douala-Cameroon, in regard to their attitude towards the practice of preventive measures, treatment, and management of malaria. Methods Over 10 weeks, 150 febrile patients and 28 healthy individuals serving as the control group were enrolled and their blood samples screened for Plasmodium species by Giemsa Staining and liver injury evaluated by measuring the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. The socio-demographic characteristics of participants and their attitude towards the practice of preventive measures, treatment, and management of malaria were collected using a structured- questionnaire. Results Among tested febrile patients, 113 (75%) were malaria-positive. Females were more affected (65.5%) than males; the most affected age group were adults between 30-60 years (55.8%). A significant association (p˂0.05; relative risk [RR] = 1.424 or p˂0.05; RR = 1.947) was found between malaria infection and non-use of mosquito nets or insecticides, respectively. The serum level of ALT and AST activities in malaria-positive were significantly ( p <0.05) increased, compared to healthy or malaria-negative individuals. Furthermore, transaminase activity was significantly ( p <0.05) elevated in non-practitioners of preventive measures; and in patients who engaged in auto-medication or traditional medication, compared to those who sought treatment from health centers. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that non-practice of preventive measures, improper treatment and management of malaria infection can lead to an abnormal increase in serum level of transaminases which may reflect liver injury.
