Detection of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Schistosoma mansoni in Halfa Aljadeeda Town

Abstract

This descriptive analytic study was carried out in Halfa Aljadeeda town in the period from December 2008 to February 2009 to assess anemia in one hundred Schistosoma mansoni infected patients. These patients were selected after detection of Schistosoma mansoni eggs in their stool using wet preparation technique. Density of parasitemia was calculated using Kato Katz technique. 5 ml venous blood was drawn from each patient, 2.5 ml placed in EDTA container the remaining poured into plain container from which serum was separated. Anticoagulated blood was used for CBC which was performed using Mythic 18 cell counter, the results were obtained and the mean of each parameter was calculated. They were as followed : Hb:13 g/dl, PCV:40%, MCV:78 fl, RBC:5.2X 1012/L, MCH: 25pg, MCHC: 31g/dl, TLC: 7.4x109/L, Total Platelet count:245x109/L, serum iron: 58μg/dl and serum ferritin: 153 μg/l in male group, and Hb: 12g/dl, PCV: 37%, MCV: 74 fl, TRBC: 5x1012/L, MCH: 23 fl, MCHC: 31g/dl, TLC: 6.7x109, total platelet count: 240x109/L, serum iron: 46μg/dl and serum ferritin: 143μg/l for female group. The study concluded that there was a reduction in most parameters when compared to control group. There was a significant reverse association between density of parasitemia in all parameters except TLC and TRBC. Decreased blood indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) and serum iron and serum ferritin indicated iron deficiency.