Hematological aspects in malaria

Background: Malaria is a major health problem at the global level. In Indian subcontinent, it is a major cause of mortality in immunosuppressed patients and in extreme ages of life. This study is based on early detection of malaria by hematological parameters to reduce the mortality in such cases. Materials and Methods: All patients with fever of less than 7 days in duration were included in the study. Hematological parameters were determined by using automated cell counter. Peripheral blood smear examination for malaria parasite was taken as gold standard for the diagnosis of malaria. Result: A total of 110 patients were included in the study. Ninety nine patients had a positive peripheral smear for malarial parasite. Thrombocytopenia (52.52%) alone (platelet count less than 1, 50,000/mm 3 ) was a predictor for malaria and in combination with anemia (Hb Conclusion: The conclusion of this study is that the presence of thrombocytopenia in a patient with acute febrile illness increases the probability of malarial infection.