Platelet Parameters and Their Correlation with Parasitemia Levels Among Malaria Infected Adult Patients at Jinella Health Center, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Malaria is a major public health problem with the highest morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Hematological changes play a great role in malaria pathogenesis through platelets and platelet parameters. However, the changes in platelet parameters are not clearly described in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to compare platelet parameters and their correlation with parasitemia among malaria-infected adult patients and healthy adults. Methods An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 186 (93 malaria-infected patients and 93 healthy adults) study participants using a convenient sampling technique at Jinella health center, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, from July 10–August 10, 2022. Five milliliters of venous blood were collected from each study participant, and platelet parameters were analyzed using a Unicel (DxH 800) automated hematologic analyzer. A drop of blood was taken from malaria-suspected patients for blood film preparation. Results between two groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U -test. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationships between two continuous variables. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Platelet, plateletcrit, and mean platelet volume of malaria-infected patients were significantly lower as compared with healthy adults (103 x10 3 cells/μL vs 268 x10 3 cells/μL, 0.13 fl vs 0.23 fl, and 9.6 fl vs 15.3 fl), respectively). Conversely, platelet distribution width and platelet large cell ratio were higher in malaria-infected patients than healthy adults (19.2% vs 15.3% and 0.35% vs 0.29%), respectively). Parasitemia levels had a moderately inverse correlation with platelet count (r= −0.419) and a weakly positive correlation with mean platelet volume (r=0.278). Conclusion The platelet, plateletcrit, and mean platelet volume of malaria-infected patients were significantly lower as compared with healthy adults. Malaria parasitemia had a moderate inverse correlation with platelet count and a weak positive correlation with mean platelet volume. Thrombocytopenia and alteration of platelet parameters should be considered in malaria patients.

The Significance of TNF-α, CRP, and Hematological Parameters in the Prediction of Plasmodium Falciparum Parasitemia

“…In contrast to the previous study [6], our findings demonstrate no significant correlation between platelet count and parasite density. Furthermore, our results indicate a statistically significant elevation of TNF-α in the infected group compared to the non-infected group, consistent with previous research [16].…”

“…The identification of secondary complications such as hematological abnormalities, involving disruptions to red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels signifies the presence of inflammation in malaria cases [4], [5]. Thrombocytopenia, a common occurrence in malaria, stems from peripheral destruction, heightened platelet sequestration in the spleen, and consumption linked to disseminated intravascular coagulation [6]. Immune responses mediated by cytokines like TNFα and CRP are pivotal in the disease's progression, revealing insights into disease severity [7].…”

Correlation Between Malaria Infection and Hemoglobin Levels and Platelet Counts at the Indonesian Navy Hospital Dr. Soedibjo Sardadi Jayapura

“…According to (Ratcliff et al, 2007), states that malaria infection causes abnormalities in the structure and function of platelets and there are several mechanisms postulated as the cause of thrombocytopenia including immune-mediated destruction, abnormalities in the platelet structure which are invaded by parasites and sequestration in the spleen (splenomegaly). This is in line with previous studies which also showed a correlation between the density of malaria parasites and the number of platelets (Asmerom et al, 2023;Margono et al, 2016).…”

Risk on Introduced Malaria to Libya With Immagrant Wokers: Biochemical and Hematological Studies

“…It is characterized by hemoglobin (Hb) levels that were below 12g/dl for women and 13g/dl for men (Al-Salahy et al, 2016). Studies have shown hematological abnormalities among malaria adult patients (Asmerom et al, 2023).…”