PhD defence T.A. (Tania) Khartabil

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

Modern hematology analyzers generate an increasing amount of information on the number and characteristics of blood cells, providing opportunities for applications beyond routine blood cell counting. This thesis, Hemocytometry in the Investigation of Infectious Diseases, explores the analytical and clinical potential of automated hemocytometry, with particular emphasis on infectious diseases.

The performance of automated hematology analyzers was evaluated, establishing their suitability for reliable routine hematological analysis. Subsequently, novel hematological parameters and changes in blood cell characteristics were investigated in patients with COVID-19, demonstrating their potential to reflect disease severity and support clinical assessment.

The thesis further explores applications of automated hemocytometry in parasitology. The Sysmex XN-31 demonstrated the ability to rapidly detect and quantify Plasmodium-infected red blood cells, supporting its potential role in malaria diagnosis and parasitemia monitoring. The ability of the XN-31 to detect Trypanosoma brucei was also investigated, further demonstrating the potential application of automated hemocytometry in parasitology. Potential diagnostic limitations were identified, including false-positive malaria results associated with Howell–Jolly bodies and the challenges of distinguishing true-positive from false-positive results.

Overall, this thesis demonstrates that modern hemocytometry provides clinically relevant information extending beyond conventional blood cell counts. Utilizing the additional cellular and analytical information generated during routine blood analysis may support rapid detection, characterization, and monitoring of infectious diseases and broaden the diagnostic role of automated hematology analyzers.