Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne public health concern in the tropics, with a range of effects on the blood. One such impact is a low platelet count. The term ‘thrombocytopaenia’ refers to this condition. A low platelet count is a common malarial finding. This article discusses the impact of malaria on platelet count, the factors that contribute to its decline, and its significance.
What effect does malaria have on platelet counts?
Malaria results in certain changes to the blood, including a reduction in white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. The degree of background haemoglobin-associated abnormalities, nutritional status, population-related factors, as well as the severity of these blood-related modifications all affect the severity of the disease. Patients with malaria, particularly children, show lower platelet counts. In children with severe parasitic infections, the platelet count is less than 50,000 per microlitre. Thrombocytopaenia might be a sign of a severe disease and a high parasite burden.
Why does malaria cause a decrease in platelet count?
The most accessible diagnostic tissue is blood. Any condition that affects blood at any level is likely to have an impact on changes in blood related parameters. One of these parameters for malaria is a reduction in blood platelets.
The blood platelet count may decrease as a result of excessive destruction of platelets. Additionally, patients with malaria have higher levels of a particular antibody (Immunoglubulin G) in the body. This antibody binds to platelet-bound malaria antigens and may speed up their destruction. Other potential causes of decreased platelets include problems with coagulation, changes in bone marrow, oxidative stress, and the role platelets play in causing severe malaria.
How is malaria diagnosed if the platelet count is low?
Platelet function is qualitatively and quantitatively altered by malaria. Patients with malaria typically have considerably lower platelet counts. Thrombocytopaenia is present in the majority of malaria patients. This decreased platelet count may be a sign of Plasmodium infection. One of the most common adverse effects of malaria is a low platelet count.
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