Malaria parasitemia and its association with CD4 cells, viral load and haematological parameters among HIV-infected children < 15 years in the Bonasssama Health District, Douala, Cameroon: Prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Background: One of the major causes of morbidity and death in children is malaria, and HIV infection and other factors may make the situation worse. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malaria parasitemia among HIV-infected children under 15 years in the Bonassama Health District, Douala, Cameroon, and investigate its association with CD4 cell counts, viral load, and haematological parameters. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study involving 287 HIV-infected children 3000 copies/μL(AOR = 2.933, 95 % 1.36–6.49), and CD4 count <200cells/ μL (AOR = 3.09, 95 % 2.08–4.6) were factors associated with malaria parasitemia among HIV-infected children. Haemoglobin levels (p = 0.0016), White Blood Cells (p = 0.002), Red Blood Cells (P < 0.001), neutrophils count (p < 0.001), and platelet counts (p = 0.0164) were significantly lowered among malaria/HIV children compared to HIV-infected children. Conclusion: The study concludes that HIV-infected children under 5 years, especially those not on ART or cotrimoxazole, are at a significantly higher risk for malaria and related haematological issues. This underscores the necessity for targeted malaria screening and treatment in this vulnerable group. Public health strategies should prioritize enhancing access to ART and cotrimoxazole to mitigate these risks and improve overall health outcomes.

Keywords

• Cameroon
• CD4 cells
• Haematological parameters
• HIV
• Malaria
• Viral load