Clinical Profile And Hematological Changes In Patients With Malaria In A Tertiary Care Hospital: Original Article

Mohib Ullah; Ahmad Al Ibad; Nazli Gul

doi:10.64911/zsyxmz78

Authors

Mohib Ullah , Associate Professor Bannu Medical College Bannu Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8602-0270
Ahmad Al Ibad Assistant professor pathology Bannu Medical College Bannu Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3487-7324
Nazli Gul Assistant professor pathology Bannu Medical College Bannu Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3852-469X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64911/zsyxmz78

Keywords:

Malaria, Hematology, Thrombocytopenia, Falciparum

Abstract

Background: Malaria parasites enter the human body through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes blood cell irregularities and other tell-tale signs. Rapid identification of malaria requires screening for other hematological signs, which is essential for practitioners working in regions where febrile illnesses cluster.

Objectives: to analyze the clinical manifestations, blood cell alterations, and blood cell parameter correlations concerning various Plasmodium species among malaria patients at hospitals.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of malaria, as determined by peripheral smear and rapid diagnostic tests. Information was collected on demographics, clinical features, and hematological parameters, specifically hemoglobin, platelet, and leukocyte counts. Information was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square and t-test methods were the primary statistical tools employed, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.

Results: 100 patients, of whom fifty-eight were males and forty-two were females. Participants had an average age of 32.4 years with an age span range of ± 12.6 years. The tests revealed Plasmodium vivax in 2%patients alongside P. falciparum, iicating a mixed Plasinfectionion. Each studied patient displayed fever symptoms and chills, along with vomiting and headache symptoms, which manifested in 85% and 38% of patients, respectively. The investigation found thrombocytopenia in 76% of the studied patients, anemia affected 62% of the participants, and leukopenia occurred in 28% of the study group. The association between P. falciparum infection and severe thrombocytopenia reached statistical significance based on the analysis (p = 0.03).

Conclusion: Fever and chills are symptoms of malaria, albeit thrombocytopenia and anemia are critical diagnostic markers. Recognition of these gets early diagnosis, species differentiation, and severity assessment in endemic areas.