TITLE:
Clinical and Parasitological Profile of Children Aged 6 - 59 Months with Uncomplicated Malaria in Bolenge, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
AUTHORS:
Tarcisse K. Kilara, Alain K. K. Ilunga, Gisele K. Kabengele, Cagod B. Inkale, Nene Mbanzulu, Isaac T. Woto, Christian Tshilenge, Berry I. Bongenya, Mireille Ngale, Aline B. Engo, Destin M. Mbongi, Papy Mandoko, Gauthier K. Mesia, Erick N. Kamangu
KEYWORDS:
Child 6 - 59 Months, Uncomplicated Malaria, Profile, Bolenge
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.10 No.5,
May
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Malaria is an erythropathy caused by different species of parasites of the genus Plasmodium. It is the most common parasitic disease in the world. Objective: The objective was to assess the profile of children aged 6 - 59 months with uncomplicated malaria in Bolenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out in children less than 59 months old with uncomplicated malaria in Bolenge, Equateur province, DRC. All patients from 6 to 59 months of age, presenting fever and parasitemia greater than 2000 trophozoites and less than or equal to 250,000 trophozoites, were included. Patients were included after signing an informed consent by parents or guardians. Age, sex, weight and height, temperature and parasitaemia were the parameters of interest. Results: Ninety (90) children were included in the study, of which 47 (52.2%) were boys. The age ranges of 26 to 40 months and 41 to 54 months were respectively dominant with 27 (30%) children. The weight range of 9 - 13 kg was more represented with 46 (51.1%) children; 34 (37.8%) children were over 92 cm. Seventy-seven (85.6%) children had a body temperature between 37.5°C and 39°C. Forty (44.4%) children had a parasitaemia between 10,001 and 40,000 parasites. A correlation was found between parasitaemia and temperature. Conclusion: Children aged 6 - 59 months with uncomplicated malaria in Bolenge have a different profile than in other regions. There is a correlation found between body temperature and parasitaemia.