Abstract

BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF MALARIA

Dr. Chitra Y. Dhume, Dr. Carlos Noel Menezes and Dr. Reshama Y. Sawant*

Abstract

The concentration of serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases, electrolytes, urea and creatinine were studied in 30 cases of malaria (both plasmodium vivax and falciparum). The patients were divided into three groups: 30 cases as controls, 30 cases of fever of non specific origin and 30 cases as study group were selected. The study group comprised of 30 detected cases of malaria with history of fever and were tested positive for plasmodium vivax or falcipurum on the basis of malaria parasite smear using Wright’s Stain, J.S.B or by Q.B.C./I.C.T. The results revealed a significant fall in total serum lipids and cholesterol and a significant rise in serum triglycerides, alanine and aspartate transaminases and potassium was also observed. The present study indicates that the elevated levels of triglycerides, transminases and potassium correlate well with the disease process and it’s complications. The changes in these analytes can support the chemical diagonosis of Malaria. Much could be achieved through research, which will facilitate the achievement of the global goal of malaria control to eliminate mortality and reduce morbidity due to the disease.

Keywords: Malaria, Serum transaminases Serum lipids, Serum potassium.