HEMATOLOGICAL IMPAIRMENTS IN RECURRENT PLASMODIUM-VIVAX INFECTED PATIENTS

The hematological parameters were assayed in Plasmodium vivax patients with only one infection, two infections, three infections and more th an three malarial. infections during a period of six months. A steady fall in the levels of hemoglobin as well as packed cell volume (PCV) l evel was observed with increasing number of infections. The malarial p atients showed a progressive decrease in RBC level with increasing num ber of attacks. The decrease in the hematological indices was statisti cally significant at all levels of parasitemia. There was a marked inc rease in the osmotic fragility of the malarial erythrocytes when compa red to that of controls. During repeated malarial attacks, significant decrease in MCH (p<0.05) and MCHC (p<0.01) and increase in the MCV le vel (p<0.05) and Heinz body formation (p<0.001) were observed. Parasit e density significantly influenced the fragility of the erythrocytes, Heinz body formation, MCV, MCH and MCHC levels. Thus, the erythrocytes of the patients repeatedly infected with Plasmodium vivax parasite ar e subjected to structural and functional impairment, ultimately culmin ating in anemia.