Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate on Haematological Parameters and Differential Cells in Plasmodium Berghei-infected Albino Mice

The current study evaluated the hematological changes in albino mice following infection with P. berghei and treatment with sodium bicarbonate; an alkaline substance intended to alkalinize the pH in the parasite environment. Twenty albino mice were randomly divided into five groups of four mice each. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were the test groups and administered 84mg/kg b.w of sodium bicarbonate injection once, twice and thrice respectively. Groups 1 received dH20, group 2; only P. berghei. Three days later, hematological parameters and differential cells were analyzed. PCV was significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups 2(32.00±0.70), 3(34.00±0.70), 4(34.00±0.70), 5(33.00±0.70) compared to control (35.00±0.70). Haemoglobin decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group 5 (11.00±0.70) compared to control (11.80±0.70). WBC showed significant (p<0.05) increase in the test groups; 2(3600.00±70.71), 3(4600.00±70.71), 4(4800.00±70.71), 5 (4800.00±70.71) compared to control (3200.00±70.71). Platelets decreased significantly (p<0.05) in the test groups; 2(90.00±.70), 3(87.00±.70), 4(84.00±.70), 5(86.00±.70) compared to control (92.00±.70). The percentage neutrophils was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group 2(61.00±0.70), significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups 3(58.00±0.70), 4(57.00±0.70), 5(57.00±0.70) compared to control (60.00±0.70). Leucocytes increased significantly (p<0.05) in groups 2(36.00±0.70), 3(38.00±0.70), 4(38.00±0.70), 5(40.0±0.70) compared to control (32.00±0.70). Monocyte was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the test groups; 2(2.00±0.07), 3(2.00±0.07), 4(2.00±0.10) and 5(1.00±0.89) compared to control (4.00±0.07). Eosinophils decreased significantly (p<0.05) in group 2(1.00±0.35), increased significantly (p<0.05) in group 4(3.00±0.70) compared to control (2.00±0.70). Basophils were not detected in neither of the groups. This study revealed that sodium bicarbonate administered to albino mice infected with P. berghei caused the elevation of some hematological parameters and differential cells.