Clinico-hematological pattern of Malaria in Rajkot city.

Abstract

Background: This study was done to correlate clinico-hematological pattern of Malaria infection, its relation with rainfall & various affiliated demographic profile in Rajkot district, Gujarat, India. This study was conducted at P.D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot from year 2008 to 2011. Methods: Thick and thin peripheral blood smears were made from each patient with fever and chills and body temperature ≥ 37.5°C (on medicinal thermometer). The stained slides were examined microscopically for malaria parasites. All patients who were admitted in the clinical ward from year 2008 to 2012 with fever were considered for this study. Patients were registered specially by their residential location for demographic data and rainfall pattern was noted. Results: A direct relationship is observed between malaria infection transmission and average monthly rainfall. Two peaks of high parasite density were observed in September & October, each peak was coinciding with high rainfall pattern of rainy season. There was a positive and significant correlation between parasite density and rainfall and breeding places of mosquitoes, suggesting that malaria is more common during heavy rainfall season and with poor living standards. There is also a significant positive correlation between parasite density and body temperature. Conclusions: Our study proves that malarial infection has got direct relationship with average rainfall during monsoon. As well as water stagnation & accumulation plays a major role in mosquito breeding and subsequent spread of malaria. Poor sanitation in lower socioeconomic class has maximum number of malaria cases.