PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 3, December 2025
Pages 631-635
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0311
The Intersection of G6PD Deficiency and Malaria: Clinical and Public Health Perspectives
Oluwadamilola O. Olabode1, Babatunde M. Okanlawon2, Fiyinfoluwa Ojeniyi3,4, Olusola Ojurongbe1,4*.
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
3Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
4Center for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Glucose-6-Phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a common human X-linked enzymatic disorder that affects red blood cell function and significantly impacts susceptibility to malaria and treatment results. While G6PD deficiency may offer some protection against severe Plasmodium falciparum infection, it also increases the risk of hemolytic anemia, especially after exposure to oxidative antimalarials such as primaquine and tafenoquine.
Methods: This narrative review examines the interplay between G6PD deficiency and malaria, reviews relevant literature, and provides insights into its clinical and public health implications.
Review Findings: G6PD deficiency may reduce malaria severity through oxidative stress mechanisms, but protection varies by sex, genotype, and population. Despite this benefit, G6PD deficiency increases the risk of hemolysis by impairing NADPH production and antioxidant defenses. Oxidative antimalarials, especially primaquine and tafenoquine, can cause severe or fatal hemolysis, necessitating routine screening, safe prescribing, patient education, and strengthened public health strategies.
Conclusion: G6PD variants significantly influence malaria management, requiring integrated public health and clinical strategies, including screening, awareness, collaboration, and evidence-based treatment.
Keywords: G6PD deficiency; malaria, antimalarial, hemolysis