Hematological parameters in plasmodium vivax and falciparum malaria-a study at tertiary care centre in North Karnataka

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, malaria is a major health problem having high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment prevents complications. The laboratory diagnosis of malaria mainly includes microscopic study of peripheral smear. In the present study, thrombocytopenia and alteration in hematological parameters was observed in malaria infected patients. Study design: Retrospective case study and review of literature. Methods: Seventy five cases of peripheral smear proven malarial infection, common species being plasmodium vivax (n= 66) and nine cases of plasmodium falciparum were included in this study. Clinical features, peripheral smear and hematological parameters including hemoglobin concentration, total leukocyte count, platelet count and mean platelet volume of all the patients were collected and studied. Results: Thrombocytopenia was the most common abnormality noted in 71 (94.66%) of 75 cases. Among those who were infected by P. falciparum, one case had severe thrombocytopenia while eight (88.88%) had moderate thrombocytopenia. In case of P. vivax infection four (06.06%) patients had severe thrombocytopenia while 51(77.27%) had moderate degree of thrombocytopenia. An increase in mean platelet volume was seen in 19 vivax infected cases (28.78%). Anemia was present in 5 cases of P. falciparum and 25 cases of P. vivax infection. Leucopenia was observed in four and 23 cases of P. falciparum and P. vivax respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, malaria infection by P. vivax was more common than P. falciparum species. Thrombocytopenia, leukopenia and anemia were commonly observed hematological abnormalities noticed amongst the study population. A finding of thrombocytopenia and anemia in a febrile patient should raise the suspicion of malaria hence further specific tests can be employed for confirmation.