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Clinical Manifestations and Changes of Haematological Markers among Active People Living in Polluted City: The Case of Douala, Cameroon

Author

Listed:
  • Tiekwe Joseph Eloge

    (Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, Dschang, P.O Box 67 Dschang, Cameroon)

  • Ongbayokolak Nadine

    (Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, Dschang, P.O Box 67 Dschang, Cameroon)

  • Dabou Solange

    (Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, Dschang, P.O Box 67 Dschang, Cameroon)

  • Phélix Bruno Telefo

    (Department of Biochemistry, University of Dschang, Dschang, P.O Box 67 Dschang, Cameroon)

  • Isabella Annesi-Maesano

    (Department of Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases (EPAR), IPLESP INSERM et Sorbonne Université, 15-21 Rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France)

Abstract

Urban air pollution, despite its dangerous health impact, is poorly studied in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). Epidemiological data on this silent killer are almost non-existent for cities of Cameroon, which seems to be one of the sSA countries where populations are highly exposed to air pollutants. Objective : The present study was conducted in Douala city, and aimed at determining the association of urban air quality degradation with respiratory and systemic health in active populations exposed to air pollutants on a daily basis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2017 to 2019 in 1182 active people consisting of motorbikes drivers (MD), outdoor urban workers (UW), and fuel station sellers (FSS). A standardized questionnaire was used to document participants’ data. One hundred and twenty-six (126) motorbike drivers were selected to evaluate the relationship between haematological (white blood cells, platelets) and inflammatory (C-reactive protein—CRP) biomarkers, and air pollution; compared with those of a sixty-five (65) motorbike drivers’ control group enrolled in Dschang, another town situated at about 216.3 km from Douala. Results : Among those recruited in urban Douala, some respiratory disorders such as running nostrils, colds, common fever, sore throats, dry cough, wheezing, chest pain, shortness of breath and systemic symptoms such as headaches, eye irritation, conjunctivitis, watery eyes and general tiredness were very common among MD, UW, and FSS. Regarding biological data, blood monocytes, lymphocytes and CRP were found to be significantly increased among selected MD in Douala, compared to control groups in Dschang. Conversely, a more significant decrease in blood neutrophil level was observed among MD in Douala than control groups in Dschang. These changes of haematological markers were significantly associated with place of residence, site of activity, and daily duration. Conclusion : Our results suggest the risk of suffering from respiratory impairments and systemic symptoms with exposure to urban air pollution among active people working near highways in Douala.

Suggested Citation

  • Tiekwe Joseph Eloge & Ongbayokolak Nadine & Dabou Solange & Phélix Bruno Telefo & Isabella Annesi-Maesano, 2021. "Clinical Manifestations and Changes of Haematological Markers among Active People Living in Polluted City: The Case of Douala, Cameroon," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:665-:d:480287
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric Coker & Samuel Kizito, 2018. "A Narrative Review on the Human Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Urgent Need for Health Effects Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-15, March.
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