Malaria parasitemia and antimalaria prophylaxis in sickle cell anemia patients in steady staten.

Malaria parasitemia was assessed in 37 known sickle cell anemia patients attending the routine hematological clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin-City, Edo State. Parasitemia was determined using the quantitative buffy coat analysis. The prevalence of malaria parasitemia among the population studied was 86.5%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of parasitemia among the male and female sicklers (p=0.35). Malaria parasitemia was significantly associated with hematocrit <0.20 (p=0.03). There was no statistically significant difference between the type of prophylaxis used and parasitemia. In conclusion, the role of malaria prophylaxis in preventing parasitemia seems negligible. It is therefore recommended that more emphasis.