Antiplasmodial and Haematological Effects of Electromagnetic Fields in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

Abstract

Malaria remains a major global health challenge, with rising resistance to antimalarial drugs threatening control efforts. Non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as electromagnetic fields (EMFs), have shown potential antiplasmodial effects, but their impact on parasite growth and host haematology is not fully understood. This study evaluated the effects of EMF exposure on parasitemia and haematological parameters in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice, comparing outcomes with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Fifty-six Swiss albino mice were distributed into seven groups: four groups exposed to EMFs at 10, 15, 20, or 30 mT for 6 hours daily, one receiving ACT (0.5 mg/kg), one untreated infected control, and one uninfected control. Parasitemia was assessed daily using Giemsa-stained thick blood films, and haematological parameters including RBC, WBC, hemoglobin, platelets, and lymphocytes were measured post-treatment.EMF exposure reduced parasitemia in a time- and intensity-dependent manner, with the most pronounced effects at 20 mT and 30 mT by Day 5. ACT achieved superior parasite clearance, reaching 88.3% inhibition. Haematological assessments showed that 10 mT EMF produced the most favorable outcomes, improving RBC, hemoglobin, and platelet counts while modulating WBC and lymphocyte levels. Higher EMF intensities (20–30 mT) demonstrated less haematological improvement, suggesting a dose-dependent effect. EMFs could reduce P. berghei parasitemia and improve haematological parameters, though less effective than ACT. They may serve as a complementary therapy pending further optimization and safety evaluation.