HAEMOGLOBIN A2 LEVEL – A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH MALARIA AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

Background: Since many surveys for the prevalence of β thalassemia have been made in area with high prevalence of malaria, it is important to find out whether malaria can modify Hb A₂ levels. In present study, analysis of Hb A₂ level of patients with malaria and thalassemia has been done and has been compared with control group to conclude that whether Hb A₂ level was affected or not.

Methodology: Total 99 samples of malaria patients, 111 samples of β thalassemia trait patients& 105 samples of healthy individuals were tested. The p value of < 0.05 was used to consider difference as significant & to reject null hypothesis. The t test (two tailed distribution, two samples unequal variance) was used as hypothesis test.

Results: Hb A₂ level in malaria group ranged from 1.9 – 4.0 % (n = 89, mean 3.09 % & SD 0.32 %); those of the β thalassemia trait group ranged from 4.0 – 7.3 % (n = 111, mean 5.37 %& SD 0.74%); and those of the control groupranged from 1.8 – 3.9 % (n = 105, mean 2.82% & SD 0.43%). The Hb A₂ level of the malaria patients was elevated statistically significantly then that found in 105 healthy controls (P < 0.05 at 95 % confidence limit).

Conclusion: From the study, we can conclude that one should remain conscious while interpreting laboratory tests in patients with malaria or patients from malaria endemic zone for β thalassemia trait which rely mainly on Hb A₂level.