Estimation of Malaria Parasite Density Using Actual and Assumed White Blood Cells Count in Khartoum State- Sudan

Abstract

This cross sectional study was conducted in Khartoum state during period from March to May 2017. The aim of this study was to determine malaria parasite density using actual white blood cell (WBC) and assumed WBC counts (8000/µl ). Two hundred and fifty Plasmodium falciparum malaria-infected subjects was included in this study with age ranged between 1-67 years old with mean age (19)years old. Out of this 115 (46%) being males and 135 (54%) females. Blood samples were collected from all subjects. All samples were examined to count the asexual stages of parasite stained thick film. Total white blood cells were obtained by analyzing EDTA blood samples; using automated hematological analyzer system (Sysmex-KX2IN). Mean value of which was 5570/µl ±1659 . The parasite density were estimated by actual and assumed TWBCs to compare between the two methods. The study revealed disparity in parasite density that calculated by actual and assumed WBCs the mean of which (11346.7) and (16092.6) respectively in study population. This study were recommended to use actual white blood cells count instead of uses assumed WBCs count for estimate of the parasite density.