PLASMODIUM VIVAX: IS IT CHANGING COURSE

Abstract

Objective: To determine the haematological parameters in patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria.
Study Design: Descriptive study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Medicine and Department ofPathology, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan from 1st June 2010 to 30th September 2010.
Methodology: Two hundred and sixteen patients were with confirmed Plasmodium vivax (P.vivax) infection.Demographic and malariometric data of all patients suffering from P.vivax was collected on a patient data form. The diagnosis of P.vivax malaria was established by peripheral blood film (PBF) and Rapid diagnostic test (RDT). All haematological parameters e.g. white blood cells (WBCs), platelet count, bilirubin levels were noted.
Results: The mean age was 25.10 ± 5.35 years. Out of 216 patients 183 patients (84.7%) were males and thirty threepatients (15.3%) were females. Thrombocytopenia was found in 186 patients (86.1%). Leucopoenia was noted in 37 patients (17.1%). Anaemia was found in 17 patients (7.8%). Increased bilrubin levels were noted in 65 patients (30%). Increased alanine transaminase levels were present in 32 patients (14.8%). Nine patients had serum creatinine levels more than 1.2 mg/dl (4.1%).
Conclusion: Plasmodium vivax malaria although considered benign has the potential to cause serious haematological derangements in affected individuals.