Transfusion malaria amongst operated neurosurgical patients--a prospective study of 22 cases

Twenty two patients with transfusion malaria were studied over a one year period. They constituted 75% of all neurosurgical patients receiving blood transfusions during surgery or in the immediate postoperative period. Malaria parasites could be demonstrated in the peripheral blood smears of only eight patients, and the rest (14) were diagnosed on clinical grounds, further supported by their prompt response to chloroquine therapy. In all the patients, investigations for local and systemic infections were normal. Cerebrospinal fluid examination did not reveal any abnormality. Patients under 30 years of age had significantly higher incidence.