IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND GENETIC RESEARCH (JBGR )

E-ISSN 2545-5710
P-ISSN 2695-222X
VOL. 10 NO. 2 2024
DOI: 10.56201/jbgr.v10.no2.2024.pg106.126

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The Effect of Genotype, Sex, Bloodgroup, Rhesus Factor on Incidence of Malaria Amongst Students of Imo State University, Owerri

Emeka Emmanuel EZEALISIOBI, Victor Nnaemeka OGBONNA, Victor SAMUEL, Otuamiobhedio Messiah WILFRED

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of hemoglobin genotype, ABO blood group, and Rhesus factor on malaria incidence among students at Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. A cross- sectional survey of 820 students was conducted, with genotype and blood group determined using standard laboratory techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on malaria history. The study found a significant association between hemoglobin genotype and malaria incidence. Participants with the HbAA genotype had the highest malaria incidence (78.3%), while HbAS individuals showed partial protection (45.5%), and HbSS had the lowest incidence (12.5%). Blood group O+ had the highest malaria incidence (70%), followed by A+ (53.4%), while AB- had the lowest (35%). The Rhesus factor was also associated with malaria incidence, with Rh+ individuals having a higher malaria incidence (65.2%) compared to Rh- individuals (48.7%). Although females exhibited a higher malaria incidence (62%) than males (55%), gender-based differences in malaria susceptibility were not statistically significant after controlling for genotype, blood group, and Rhesus factor. These findings confirm that biological factors, particularly hemoglobin genotype, blood group, and Rhesus factor, significantly influence malaria susceptibility. The protective effect of HbAS and blood group O against severe malaria is consistent with previous studies in sub-Saharan Africa. Public health strategies in malaria-endemic regions should consider these biological factors when designing targeted prevention and treatment interventions. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms of Rhesus factor involvement in malaria risk and to examine behavioral factors affecting malaria incidence.

keywords:

Malaria, Hemoglobin Genotype, Blood Group, Rhesus Factor, Nigeria, Sub-

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