Malaria Parasite Density Estimation using Actual and Assumed White Blood Cells Count in Children in Eastern Sudan

Abstract

Background: Estimating malaria parasite count is needed for estimating the severity of the disease and during the follow-up. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the malaria parasite density among children using actual white blood cell (WBC) and the assumed WBC counts (8.0 × 109/l). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at New Halfa Hospital, Sudan. WBC count and count of asexual malaria parasite were performed on blood films. Results: One hundred and three children were enrolled. The mean (SD) WBCs was 6.2 (2.9) cells × 109/l. The geometric mean (SD) of the parasite count using the assumed WBCs (8.0 × 109/l cells/μl) was significantly higher than that estimated using the actual WBC count [7345.76 (31 038.56) vs. 5965 (28 061.57) rings/μl, p = 0.042]. Conclusion: Malaria parasitemia based on assumed (8.0 × 109/) WBCs is higher than parasitemia based on actual WBCs.