Study of effect of malaria parasitemia on serum electrolytes in south-east Rajasthan

Background: Malaria is a life threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Aim: To study of effect of malaria parasitemia on serum electrolytes in south east Rajasthan. Materials and methods: It was a hospital based study done on malaria indoor patients from June 2017 to March 2018 in Jhalawar Medical College, Jhalawar in South East Rajasthan. The relevant history, systemic examinations and thick and thin peripheral blood smear, malaria antigen detection rapid card test was performed and serum electrolytes like sodium, potassium and calcium level were done for all patients. All patients were categorized into three groups like P.falciparum, P.vivax and mixed infection (both P.falciparum, P.vivax). Results: We observed that female was out numbered than male. Most common affected age group was 35-45 years and most of the patients came from the rural region. Severe dyselectrolytemia was noted in mixed infection (both P.falciparum and P.vivax) and P.falciparum cases. Conclusion: Serum electrolytes level are influenced by the presence of all types of malaria severely with mixed infection and P.falciparum positive cases so severe dyselectolytemia in malaria infections should be treated timely to prevent grave complications.