Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> BACKGROUND Malaria introduces many haematological changes among patients. The present study investigated frequency of thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 150,000 /mm <sup>3</sup> ) among malaria patients and the possibility of using thrombocytopenia as a prediction reading/tool for diagnosing malaria, in addition, the study compared occurrence of thrombocytopenia among falciparum and vivax malaria infections. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed at two different sites in Merowe city (Aljawda Hospital/medical centre and Tangasi Medical centre), Northern state, Sudan, within 10 continuous months duration (November 2021 to September 2022). Complete blood count, blood film for malaria, and Immuno- chromatographic test for detection of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax were performed for all participants. RESULTS Number of cases diagnosed with malaria was 149 patients (100 Plasmodium falciparum (68%) while 49 Plasmodium vivax (32%)). Out of 149 malaria infected patients, this study revealed 9% have thrombocytopenia: 8% of p. Falciparum cases, and about 10% of p. Vivax patients. A minor bleeding was reported in one p. Vivax patient, while no bleeding occurred in p. Falciparum cases CONCLUSIONS Thrombocytopenia was reported in 9% of malaria cases during the study period, with a higher frequency in plasmodium vivax than plasmodium falciparum. in Merowe locality. As a result, Thrombocytopenia in acute febrile illness may raise the suspicion of malaria. Bleeding may appear plasmodium vivax infections. A study of a larger sample was recommended. </p>