IMPACT OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM PARASITEMIA ON THROMBOCYTE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING STATE SPECIALIST HOSPITAL MAIDUGURI BORNO STATE NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes (Ohalete et al., 2020). This study investigates the impact of Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia on thrombocytes among pregnant women attending the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. A total of 50 pregnant women were enrolled for blood sample analysis, with samples examined for parasitemia and thrombocyte count. Parasite density was categorized into mild (≤ 500 parasites/µL), moderate (500–1000 parasites/µL), and severe (1000–1500 parasites/µL). Results indicated the highest prevalence of parasitemia in the first trimester (46%), followed by the second trimester (40%) and the third trimester (14%). Women aged 25–34 years had the highest prevalence of moderate parasite density (27.6%), while severe parasitemia was relatively rare across all groups. Thrombocyte counts showed significant variations, with thrombocytopenia becoming more pronounced in the third trimester. A strong correlation between parasite density and thrombocyte levels was observed, especially in the third trimester, underscoring the impact of P. falciparum infection on thrombocytes during pregnancy. Microscopy was used for parasitemia determination, and thrombocyte counts were assessed through standard hematological techniques. The study emphasizes the need for proactive malaria management in pregnant women, particularly through routine malaria screening, timely interventions, and hematological monitoring to reduce the adverse effects of malaria in pregnancy. Enhanced access to quality healthcare and malaria control measures like insecticide-treated bed nets are recommended to improve maternal health outcomes.