The most useful test to evaluate the level of the inflammatory reaction is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the C reactive protein (CRP). A comparative study between these two tests was carried out in 25 patients infected in Africa with acute malaria due to Plasmodium falciparum. At D1, the mean value of ESR and CRP was respectively 19.8 mm and 94.5 mg/l, and at D7 the mean value was 105 mm and 13.20 mg/l. So, ESR which increased very early, has a better positive predictive value for the diagnosis of malaria than ESR which increase later.

Malaria, C-Reactive Protein, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate.