Significance of thrombocytopenia in different types of malaria

Abstract

Introduction: Malaria is a major health problem in India. It usually presents with thrombocytopenia, Study was conducted to assess the presence and severity of thrombocytopenia in malaria- fever. This study was done in at tertiary care teaching hospital associated with medical college. Method: A total of 120 patients with acute febrile illness and positive for malaria parasite were included. They all are positive for malaria parasite on peripheral smear examination with leishmans stain on conventional microscopy. Platelet count was done on a fully automated, hematology analyzer. Results: Thrombocytopenia was observed in 100% cases of malaria caused by P. Falciparum and 69.79% cases of malaria caused by P Vivax. Overall 85.83% of patients with acute febrile illness due to malaria showed thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in malaria- fever, but its presence is not a distinguishing feature between Pl. vivax and Pl. falciprum. Our study noted the importance of thrombocytopenia as an indicator of malaria in acute febrile illness.