Publication:

Species-specific hematological derangements and recovery kinetics in Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a comparative clinical study

Background Malaria remains a major public health concern, yet comparative evidence on species-specific hematological alterations and recovery following treatment is limited. This study compared hematological derangements and recovery kinetics in patients with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Methods A comparative observational study included 100 laboratory confirmed malaria patients (50 P. vivax, 50 P. falciparum). Diagnosis was established by peripheral smear microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, platelet count, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and red cell indices were evaluated before and after standard antimalarial therapy using an automated hematology analyzer.

Results P. falciparum infection produced significantly greater reductions in hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, platelet count, and hematocrit than P. vivax (p<0.05). Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent hematological abnormality, whereas white blood cell counts showed no significant interspecies difference. Although hematological parameters improved after treatment in both groups, recovery was consistently faster and more complete in P. vivax, while delayed normalization persisted in P. falciparum.

Conclusions Malaria species significantly influence both the severity of hematological abnormalities and the pace of recovery. Serial hematological assessment offers a simple, economical, and clinically valuable approach for species-specific risk stratification, treatment monitoring, and prognosis, particularly in resource limited endemic settings.