Study on specific species of malaria in relation to haematological changes

Background: As malaria is a potential medical emergency, prompt and accurate diagnosis is criticalfor its effective management. Conventional microscopic examination of peripheral thick and thinblood smear examination remains the “gold standard” for malaria diagnosis. Material: A 2 yearprospective study from 2011 to 2013 was conducted at Navodaya Medical College Hospital andResearch Centre, Raichur. The study comprised of a total number of 150 cases positive for Malaria,collected from above mentioned centre and those referred from peripheral referral centres. Clinicalhistory regarding age, sex, nature and duration of illness were elicited. Blood sample forhaematological study was taken before starting anti-malarial drugs in all these cases. Result: Out oftotal cases, P. vivax infected cases (62%) were common than P. falciparum (34%) and mixedinfection cases [PV & PF] (4%). Most common presenting symptom of cases affected by PV, PF andmixed infection were fever and chills & rigors and least common symptom was cough. Mostimportant haematological changes observed were anaemia and thrombocytopenia (77.3% each) andleucopenia (31.3%). All the above mentioned changes in haematological parameters were speciesspecific and statistically significant, except for red cell indices, DLC and ESR. Conclusions: Inconclusion, changes in haematological profile can help in early diagnosis of specific species ofmalaria for timely and appropriate treatment that can reduce the severity and prevention ofadditional consequences.