Evaluation of the Effect of Plasmodium falciparum on Platelets Count among Sudanese Patients at Khartoum State, Sudan

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a serious vector-borne tropical disease that remains one of the primary reasons for death in several developing countries. In Sudan, almost 75% of the population is at risk of developing malaria. The infection could have several serious complications if not treated properly and data are needed to establish an effective prevention and treatment protocols.in our study we spot light on the relationship between malaria infection and platelets numbers in infected subjects. Objective: This research aims to study the effect of Plasmodium falciparum infection on platelets count. Methods: a total of 100 subjects, half of which (50 subjects) were malaria infected individuals as a study group and the other half (50 subjects) were healthy control. Both case and control groups were of the same age group (5-65 years old) from both genders (40% were females and 60% were males). Plasmodium falciparum was detected using rapid diagnostic tests and confirmed by microscopic examination.Platelets were estimated using an automated hematology analyzer, the kits supplied by (Sysmex, Japan) Results: Platelets count in infected males was 25% less than that of infected females, such difference was found to be statistically significant and suggests that P. falciparum has greater impact on platelets count in males than females. However, this is in contract to another study conducted in Nigeria which found that male malaria patients had higher platelets counts than female patients. Conclusion: In conclusion: Malaria infection with Plasmodium falciparum was found to reduce platelets count.