TOTAL LEUKOCYTE COUNT AND ITS DIAGNOSTIC UTILITY IN PREDICTING MALARIAL INFESTATION IN ENDEMIC AREA

This is a study conducted at malaria endemic area, comprised of 163 confirmed cases of malarial infestation in which Total Leukocyte Count was performed by an automated hematology analyzer before starting anti-malarial treatment. We analyzed and compared the WBC Counts of these malaria patients. Leukopenia was observed in 22.7% cases and Leukocytosis, on the other hand, was noted in 8.6% cases. 68.7% cases were found having normal Total WBC Count. Duration of Our Present Study is 12 months, from July 2014 to June 2015. As per our findings, Leukopenia can be considered as a useful indicator of Malaria, particularly when it is associated with thrombocytopenia. It can help us in predicting the possibility of malarial infestation in endemic areas.