Unusual presentation of malaria as a leukaemoid reaction. A case report
Irving, K.G.; Kemp, E.; Olivier, B.J.; Mendelow, B.V.
South African Medical Journal 71(9): 597-598
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 3554563 Document Number: 288842
In a 4-year-old black patient with Plasmodium falciparum malaria the diagnosis was established by observing plentiful gametocytes in the peripheral blood, although ring forms were very scanty. The blood picture was that of a leukaemoid reaction with severe anaemia, high total leucocyte count and thrombocytosis. Treatment with chloroquine and primaquine, together with packed red cell transfusions, was successful in eliminating both the malaria parasites and the leukaemoid blood picture. The rarity of malaria presenting as a leukaemoid blood picture is discussed.