Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part B (2025)

Background: Although platelet indices are routinely available using automated blood cell counters, the clinical applications of these parameters for malaria have not been substantially implemented. We conducted this study to investigate the potential role of platelet indices as an indicator in patients with plasmodium vivax and plasmodium falciparum infections admitted to the civil hospital Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the pathology department over a period of 4 months from June 2024 to September 2024. Total 175 patients with documented Malaria positivity along with 100 cases of control were included in the study. Hematological analysis was obtained from an automated hematology analyzer - Horiba Yumizen H2500 and subsequent peripheral smears were screened for estimation of platelets and differential counts.

Results: Leukocyte count and platelet count were significantly lower in cases of malaria in comparison to controls. Platelet count <150x10³/cumm showed 87.2% sensitivity and 75% specificity. MPV >10 fL had 78% sensitivity, 68.5% specificity and PCT <0.22 had 91.4% sensitivity and 89% specificity.

Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia (<150x10³/cumm) and low leucocyte count (<4x10³/cumm) can be used as an indicator for early malaria diagnosis and prompt treatment.