Study on prevalence and hematological parameters in Malaria infected patients visited local hospitals of Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a serious health problem in poor countries, and a high number of mortalities are associated with various hematological complications if untreated. Malaria is prevalent in Pakistan with various hematological complications. The present study aimed to determine the malarial prevalence and hematological parameters in infected patients in Rawalpindi districts. Methods: A cross-sectional study comprised of 500 participants was conducted from April 2021 to September 2022. The study includes participants belonged to all age groups from six public healthcare facilities in Rawalpindi. Participants with hemolytic diseases or any other hematological disorders were excluded from the study. Microscopic Giemsa-stained slides were prepared. Blood was also tested for anemia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Chi-square analysis and t-test was performed in SPSS ver.20. Results: Out of 500 participants, 181(36.2%) were infected with malarial infection. Middle-aged people 21-40 years old had significantly (P≤0.05) higher prevalence (16.6%) to malarial infection. The infection was significantly (P≤0.05) more prevalent (53.1%) in females compared to male participants. The RBCs level was not differed significantly (P≥0.05) between malarial infected males and females as compared to non infected. However, a significant (P=0.001) decrease in platelets count was recorded. Other hematological parameters i.e. hemoglobin, Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly (P≤0.05) increased in infected patients, while lymphocytes, monocyte and eosinophil decrease significantly (P≤0.05). Conclusion: The finding suggested high malaria spread in Rawalpindi district. Further, studies on malarial control and implementation of intervention strategies are required.