Assessment of Vitamin D Status in Patients Suffering from Uncomplicated Malaria in a Health Center in the District of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Brice Kouakou Bla *
Laboratory of Biology and Health, UFR Biosciences-University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 22, BP, 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.
Alexis Gnogbo Bahi
Institute Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, 01 BP 490 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire.
Juliana Mensah-Akaki
UFR of Medical Sciences, 11 BP 802 Abidjan 11, Côte d’Ivoire.
Souleymane Méité
Institute Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire, 01 BP 490 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire.
Françis Adou Yapo
Laboratory of Biology and Health, UFR Biosciences-University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 22, BP, 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.
Joseph Allico Djaman
Laboratory of Biology and Health, UFR Biosciences-University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, 22, BP, 582, Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire and UFR of Medical Sciences, 11 BP 802 Abidjan 11, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The pathophysiology of Plasmodium falciparum infection is most often associated with anemia and immune deficiency. Given the important role of vitamin D in the synthesis of hemoglobin and in the stimulation of the immune system, it would be essential to assess the vitamin D status of patients with malaria in order to improve the quality of treatment management.
Methodology: A thick drop and a blood smear were used to determine parasite density and parasite species respectively. The complete blood count was performed using an automated analyzer labelled Sysmex XN 1000i. Biochemical parameters such as calcium and phosphorus were determined using the Cobas C311 Hitachi. The Vidas was used to determine the concentrations of 25 (OH) -vitamin D.
Results: The results showed a decrease in 25 (OH) -vitamin D concentrations in relation to the parasite density and anemia observed in patients with uncomplicated malaria.
Conclusion: Vitamin D status in patients with uncomplicated malaria could represent an essential biomarker in the monitoring of antimalarial treatment.
Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, Vitamin D, anemia, Côte d’Ivoire.