Lipid Profile Alterations (dyslipidemia) in Adults during Plasmodium falciparum Infection in the City of Butembo, Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Malaria remains a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, not only for its high morbidity and for mortality rates but for the complexity, it introduces in clinical diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings. In this context, exploring alternative biological markers that could support or refine diagnosis becomes crucial. In this cross-sectional study conducted at the Internal Medicine and Parasitology Department of Matanda Hospital in Butembo, a distinct pattern of lipid alterations was identified among adult patients with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Spanning from July 24, 2023, to November 12, 2024, the investigation compared 245 febrile patients with positive thick and thin blood films to 253 febrile controls with negative parasitological results. The findings revealed a consistent profile of dyslipidemia in malaria cases, notably marked by hypocholesterolemia, reduced HDL cholesterol levels, elevated triglycerides, and a general decline in total cholesterol. These lipid disruptions were significantly associated with higher levels of parasitaemia, suggesting a potential diagnostic utility. Moreover, the study highlighted that such lipid anomalies could serve as valuable early indicators for malaria diagnosis, particularly in settings where parasitological confirmation may be delayed or inconclusive. This underscores the clinical relevance of lipid profiling in the prompt recognition and management of malaria, ultimately contributing to the prevention of severe and potentially fatal outcomes.