INVIVO PLATELET-AGGREGATION IN ACUTE MALARIA

Thirteen patients suffering from acute malaria attack and thirteen apparently healthy human volunteers (control) were used for the study. Platelet aggregation was determined by platelet count ratio technique in which a reduction in platelet count ratio signified an increase in platelet aggregation. Platelet count ratio in acute malaria patients was 0.75 +/- 0.03 (SEM). Platelet count ratio in subjects used as control was 0.88 +/- 0.02. This value was significantly higher than the former (P < 0.001). Platelet count ratio correlated negatively with the degree of parasitaemia (r = -0.71; P < 0.01). ADP, a platelet aggregating drug, also reduced platelet count ratio in rats significantly. Acute malaria attack therefore enhances platelet aggregation in vivo.