Korean J Parasitol.  2014 Dec;52(6):621-629. 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.6.621.

Prevalence and Clinical Manifestations of Malaria in Aligarh, India

• Asma UE
• Taufiq F
• Khan W

• KMID: 2069812
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3347/kjp.2014.52.6.621

Abstract

Malaria is one of the most widespread infectious diseases of tropical countries with an estimated 207 million cases globally. In India, there are endemic pockets of this disease, including Aligarh. Hundreds of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax cases with severe pathological conditions are recorded every year in this district. The aim of this study is to find out changes in liver enzymes and kidney markers. Specific diagnosis for P. falciparum and P. vivax was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa stained slides. Clinical symptoms were observed in both of these infections. Liver enzymes, such as AST, ALT, and ALP, and kidney function markers, such as creatinine and urea, were estimated by standard biochemical techniques. In Aligarh district, P. vivax, P. falciparum, and mixed infections were 64%, 34%, and 2%, respectively. In case of P. falciparum infection, the incidences of anemia, splenomegaly, renal failure, jaundice, and neurological sequelae were higher compared to those in P. vivax infection. Recrudescence and relapse rates were 18% and 20% in P. falciparum and P. vivax infections, respectively. Liver dysfunctions and renal failures were more common in P. falciparum patients, particularly in elderly patients. Artesunate derivatives must, therefore, be introduced for the treatment of P. falciparum as they resist to chloroquine as well as sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combinations.

Keyword

Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; malaria; prevalence; clinical features; Aligarh; India

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Child
Child, Preschool
Clinical Laboratory Techniques
Female
Humans
India/epidemiology
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Kidney/physiopathology
Kidney Diseases/epidemiology/etiology
Kidney Function Tests
Liver/physiopathology
Liver Diseases/epidemiology/etiology
Liver Function Tests
Malaria, Falciparum/complications/*epidemiology/*pathology
Malaria, Vivax/complications/*epidemiology/*pathology
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Recurrence
Young Adult