Monocytosis In Acute Malaria Infection

Abstract

The Haematocrit (Hct); the white blood cell (WBC) count (total and differential), platelet count and reticulocyte count were determined prior to administration of antimalaria therapy and one week after. A sysmex 2000, auto-analyzer was used to determine all the parameters excluding reticulocyte count which was determined manually. Tests were performed on the blood samples of sixty malaria patients (45 males and 15 females) with uncomplicated malaria, age range 2-15 years. The differential white blood cell counts revealed monocytosis pre-therapy and post therapy. Monocytosis observed was significantly higher in patients post-therapy compared to the pre-therapy patients (P=0.05). There was no significant change in the Hct. Total WBC count platelet count and reticulocyte count in both the pre-therapy and post-therapy patients.

The monocytosis observed in patients, especially those on antimalaria therapy, may be indicative of an anti-malaria effect by monocytes. Thus monocytosis, may enhance the predisposition to a favourable clinical outcome.

Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Vol.5(2) 2002: 106-108