Previous comparative studies of plasma fibrinogen levels in blacks and
whites in Africa have yielded variable results, with some researchers
reporting no significant difference between the two groups, while oth
ers have reported higher mean plasma fibrinogen levels in blacks. This
present study compares plasma fibrinogen levels in healthy, urban bla
ck and white male Zimbabwean blood donors. Our results show significan
tly higher (p<0.005) plasma fibrinogen levels in blacks (3.05+/-0.18)
compared to whites (2.43+/-0.13). The blacks also showed greater varia
bility in their plasma fibrinogen levels.