Malaria and Hematological Changes

Objectives: The hematological changes associated with acute malaria are well recognized. This study was conducted to assess and compare the incidence and severity of hematological changes in various types of malaria in adult population. Methodology: This observational study included 133 acute malaria patients admitted in the Infectious Diseases Unit of Rashid Hospital Dubai (JCI accredited) UAE, during January 2005 to December 2007. The diagnosis of malaria was confirmed by thick and thin film stained with Leishman,s staining for malarial parasite. Slides were reviewed by hematologist and FBC were performed using an automated Beckman Coulter machine. Results: Overall 83% of the patient had thrombocytopenia, 64% anemia, 24% lymphopenia and 10% monocytosis. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was slightly more in P. Falciparum (87%) than P. Vivax (81%) cases, p value >0.05, where as there was no significant difference in the incidence of anemia in two groups (67% vs 63%)-p value >0.05. However, lymphopenia was observed in 36% in P. Vivax as compared to 15% in P.Falciparum cases, p value <0.04. Eosinophil and basophil count was normal in both groups. Conclusions: P.Falciparum as well as P.Vivax can cause significant hematological changes with high frequency of thromboctopenia, anemia lymphopenia and monocytosis.