The Circulating Platelet in Acute Malaria Infection

Hematological changes in malaria: A comparative study

“…However, percentage wise higher thrombocytopenia as observed for P.Falciparum in comparison to P.Vivax in our study is consistent with results reported by other investigators 17 . Patient who developed thrombocytopenia due to malaria seldom bleed, whatever the grade of decrease in platelets count 17 .Our study also did not observe any bleeding predisposition even with platelets count of 9000/cmm.…”

“…The blood changes are so distinguishing that the diagnosis of malaria should be considered in the existence of above findings 17 .…”

“…Because majority of cells are in expanded marginal pool, Neutrophil count usually remain normal. Neutrophils leucocytosis occurs due to associated bacterial infection 17 . Leucopenia and nuetropenia primarily reflects the state of hypersplenism.…”

Malaria: Hematological Aspects

“…3,4,23 Some workers have suggested DIC as a major mechanism, but others have found no evidence of DIC in any of their patients, including those with severe thrombocytopenia. 23 Another proposed mechanism is that of platelets engulfing malaria parasites, and in the process becoming damaged and thus being removed from circulation. 3 This has not been confirmed.…”

“…These include raised concentrations of platelet-specific proteins such as beta thromboglobulin (ßTG), platelet factor 4 (PF4), and other changes such as enhanced production of thromboxane A 2 and prostacyclin, but spontaneous platelet aggregation did not occur in these studies. 23 It has also been postulated that these hypersensitive (hyperactive) platelets will enhance hemostatic responses, and maybe this is why bleeding episodes are rare in acute malaria infection, despite the thrombocytopenia.…”