IMPACT OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM IN THE LIVER OF PREGNANT WOMEN AFFECTED WITH MALARIA PARASITE, ATTENDING SELECTED HOSPITAL (DAULA AND SHUKURA) IN GUSAU METROPOLIS, ZAMFARA STATE

This study investigated the impact of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection on liver function in pregnant women attending Daula and Shukura Hospitals in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria. A comparative analysis of 40 participants (20 malaria-infected and 20 healthy controls) was conducted to evaluate key liver function parameters, including enzymatic markers (ALT, AST, ALP) and non-enzymatic markers (Total Protein, Albumin, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin). The results demonstrated significant hepatic alterations in infected pregnant women. AST levels nearly doubled in malaria-infected groups (48.44 ± 2.04 IU/L and 49.13 ± 2.41 IU/L) compared to controls (28.97 ± 1.96 IU/L), indicating pronounced hepatocellular stress. Hypoalbuminemia (3.8 ± 2.45 g/dL and 2.8 ± 2.04 g/dL vs. 4.56 ± 0.89 g/dL in controls) suggested impaired synthetic liver function, while elevated direct bilirubin (1.88 ± 0.45 µmol/L and 1.77 ± 0.85 µmol/L vs. 0.85 ± 0.45 µmol/L in controls) reflected cholestatic effects. ALP levels remained stable, ruling out significant biliary obstruction. These findings highlight the hepatotoxic effects of P. falciparum in pregnancy, which may exacerbate maternal-fetal complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The study underscores the need for integrating liver function tests into antenatal care for malaria-infected pregnant women in endemic regions to enable early intervention. Recommendations include enhanced malaria prevention strategies, such as intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), alongside nutritional support to mitigate hepatic dysfunction. Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, malaria in pregnancy, liver function tests, hypoalbuminemia, hepatocellular injury, Nigeria.