Exploring hematological parameters for the prediction of malaria: A focus on neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55629/pakjpathol.v37i2.920Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study is to observe variations in various hematological parameters in malaria, to compare these variations between cases (malaria positive patients) and controls and to determine association of NLR and MLR with malaria.
Material and Methods: It was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the department of Pathology, PIMS Hospital, Islamabad between July 24 to December 24. A total of 105 malaria positive-cases and 105 control cases were included in the study. Consecutive non- probability sampling was done. For each case total white cell count, differential leucocyte count, absolute counts, hemoglobin and platelet counts were observed. From the above parameters NLR and MLR were obtained. To analyze the data SPSS 20 was used.
Results: Out of 105 malaria cases, 99 were of Plasmodium vivax, 4 of Plasmodium falciparum, and 2 of mixed infections. It was observed that total leukocyte count, neutrophil percentage, lymphocyte percentage, absolute lymphocyte count, absolute monocyte count, platelet count, NLR and MLR showed significant association with malaria while Hb, and absolute neutrophil count didn’t show a significant association with malaria.
Conclusion: NLR and MLR can play an important role in predicting malaria as inflammatory marker. Also, in malaria cases, altered platelet, WBC, and lymphocyte counts are vital indicators.
Keywords: Malaria, Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio, platelets
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