AbstractIntroduction: Malaria is a tropical disease causing millions of death worldwide. Early detection and management prevents complications and mortality. Definitive diagnosis depends on demonstration of malaria in blood smears. Aims & objectives: In this study we intend to evaluate Toluidine blue utility and efficacy in screening & species identification of malaria parasite in peripheral smear. Materials and methods: In 134 patients with clinical suspicion of malaria, peripheral smears were prepared and were processed with both conventional Leishman method and Toluidine blue method simultaneously. Results: Out of 134 smears, 51 were positive for malaria with male preponderance and age incidence being more between 41-50 yrs. Predominant species was Plasmodium vivax (76.47%). Leishman stain showed decreased sensitivity (84.3%) and negative predictive value (91.2%) when compared to Toluidine blue stain. Conclusion: Toluidine blue staining method helps to identify parasites even at low power objective allowing screening more areas in shorter time. It is specifically useful in low parasite index cases and in species identification
Keywords: Malaria Parasite; Leishman Stain; Toluidine Blue; Peripheral Smear.
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