The Pattern Of Packed Cell Volume, Plasma Electrolytes And Glucose Levels In Patients Infected With <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>

Abstract

Fifty-two patients (27 males, 25 females aged 25 &plusmn: 18.4 years) with Plasmodium falciparum infection and 53 healthy control subjects (27 males, 26 females aged 28.3 ± 19.2 years) were recruited for the study. Plasma electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-), glucose and HCO₃^- were respectively analyzed colorimetrically and biochemically. There was an observed lower significant mean value of packed cell volume, Na⁺, HCO₃^-and glucose in Plasmodium falciparum infected subjects than the values obtained from the normal control subjects with p < 0.05. Higher significant mean value of Cl^- and K⁺ was observed in the test than the control subjects (p < 0.05). Significantly lower packed cell volume, Na⁺, Cl^-, glucose and higher significant K⁺ levels were observed in the test subjects aged 1-10 years than test subjects aged 11-72 years with p < 0.05. This study further affirms the effects of Plasmodium falciparum infection on the pattern of packed cell volume, plasma electrolytes and glucose concentrations.

Key words: Electrolytes, Plasmodium falciparum, Glucose, Packed Cell Volume

Afr. J. Clin. Exper. Microbiol. 2005; 6(2): 87-90