Keywords
Malaria; Thrombocytopenia; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Sudan.
Abstract
Background: Malaria remains a major public health concern in Sudan, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, while Plasmodium vivax continues to emerge in several regions. Thrombocytopenia is frequently associated with malaria infection, yet its pattern and severity vary between species. This study investigated the occurrence of thrombocytopenia among malaria infected individuals in Sinnar and Khartoum States.
Methods: A cross sectional, hospital-based study was conducted between November and March 2020. A total of 160 EDTA blood samples were collected from malaria suspected patients. Malaria diagnosis was performed using Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and Giemsa stained blood films. Platelet counts were measured using an automated hematology analyzer (SYSMEX KX 21). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results: Of the 160 malaria positive participants, P. falciparum accounted for 77.5% (n=124), while P. vivax represented 22.5% (n=36). Thrombocytopenia was more prevalent among P. falciparum cases, with 56.2% exhibiting abnormal platelet counts, compared to 8.8% in P. vivax cases. Males represented 60.6% of infected individuals. The highest infection rate occurred in the age group 1–25 years (47.5%). A statistically significant association was found between malaria species and platelet count abnormalities (p = 0.000).
Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological abnormality in malaria, particularly in P. falciparum infections. Its presence may assist clinicians in supporting malaria diagnosis, monitoring disease severity, and guiding management decisions.
Citation
Abdelsalam BS, Bahga AA, Khadiga AH, Samah MAE, Mona OM et al, (2026) Occurrence and Clinical Significance of Thrombocytope nia in Plasmodium Falciparum and Plasmodium Vivax Malaria in Sinnar and Khartoum States, Sudan. SM Trop Med J 7: 3.