Decreased uric acid levels in the acute phase of P. vivax malaria

16 May 2019
Gomes LT, Bellei AK, Andrade DI, Gotardo PZ, Nery AF, Fontes CJF

INTRODUCTION

Uric acid is one of the compounds associated with the inflammatory process in malaria. It acts as an indicator of cellular damage by activating the immune response and inflammatory process.

METHODS

We measured serum concentrations of uric acid in 60 symptomatic patients before and after treatment for malarial infections caused by Plasmodium vivax.

RESULTS

Lower serum concentrations of uric acid were found during the acute phase of P. vivax malaria compared to those in its convalescent phase (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in the acute phase of malaria had lower uric acid levels than those in its convalescent phase.