Malaria is an important public health concern especially in endemic nations like India. Hematologic changes play a major role in fatalities. The present study was conducted with an objective to assess blood cell counts in malaria and correlate them with parasite density, so as to enforce their role as indicators of disease severity. A total of 144 malaria positive cases diagnosed at JN Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh during the period from November 2014 to October 2015 were included in this study. Complete blood cell count was assessed along with peripheral blood smear examination of each patient for parasite identi cation and calculation of parasite density. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 19. A signi cant decreasing trend of haemoglobin concentration, leukocyte count and platelets was noted with increasing parasite density (p < 0.001). Eosinophilia was also a key  nding. In conclusion, a spectrum of deranged blood parameters such as a low leukocyte count and eosinophilia along with anemia and thrombocytopenia may serve as a basis for immediate and aggressive treatment approach in severely febrile patients of malaria.

Keywords: Malaria Parasite Density; Anemia; Leucopenia; Eosinophilia.