Unusual presentation of malaria as a leukaemoid reaction. A case report

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.