19. Significance of White Blood Cell and Platelets Count in Malaria and their Correlation with various Morphological Forms of Plasmodia Species
Umair Ali Soomro, Shomail Saeed Siddiqui
ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe hematological variations in different types of malaria and severity of parasitemia caused by Plasmodium species.
Study Design: Cross sectional study.
Pace and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Isra University from January 2014 to June 2014.
Materials and Methods: The patients with clinical features suggestive of malaria and positive blood smear showing malarial parasite were included in the study. The blood for hematological parameters and thick and thin peripheral film preparation was collected in EDTA tubes. To observe the various morphological forms of plasmodium, peripheral blood films were stained with Leishman’s stain. The WBC and platelet counts were determined using automated hematology analyser.
Results: Out of 96, Leukocytosis was noted in 16 (45%) and 35 (57.3%) of P. falciparum and P. vivax patients respectively. Thrombocytopenia was noted in 32 (91.4%) and 47 (77%) of P.falciparum and P.vivax patients respectively. Frequency of thrombocytopenia was more in P.falciparum patients compared to P. vivax. Ring forms and trophozoites in both P.falciparum and P.vivax were noted.
Conclusion: The present study revealed leukocytosis, leukopenia, leukocytic pigment and thrombocytopenia as the most common haematological findings among malaria patients.
Key Words: P. falciparum, P. vivax, Hematological changes, Peripheral blood smear.
Citation of article: Soomro UA, Siddiqui SS. Significance of White Blood Cell and Platelets Count in Malaria and their Correlation with various Morphological Forms of Plasmodia Species. Med Forum 2017;28(11):77-80.