Blood lipid changes in repeated infections of vivax malaria

Alterations in the levels of plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipids in fresh and repeated P. vivax malarial patients were studied. A significant fall in plasma cholesterol and phospholipids was observed in repeated malaria. The decrease was highly significant when the number of attacks were more than five (p < 0.0001). A significant increase in plasma triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids were observed when the number of attacks was between 4-5 (p < 0.0001). Erythrocyte membrane cholesterol and phospholipids were increased in repeated malaria. The increase in erythrocyte membrane cholesterol and phospholipids, was significant in more than five attacks (p < 0.0001). The activities of LCAT and LPL were decreased significantly in repeated malaria, when the number of attacks were between 4-5 (p < 0.0001). It is suggested that repeated malarial attack alters the lipid metabolism and the changes are marked with increase in the number of malarial attacks.