Malaria

Question 1

List the types of Malaria infections and associated causative agents.

Answer 1

■ Malaria tropica: from P. falciparum.
More severe, doesn’t fit relapsing fever pattern, happens every 36-48 hours or continuously.

■ Tertian malaria: from P. vivax or ovale. 48 hour fever cycle (fever
every 3rd day). Has dormant hypnozoites in liver.

■ Quartan malaria: from P. malariae. 72 hour fever cycle (fever every
4th day).

Question 2

Symptoms of Malaria infection

Answer 2

Period febrile paroxysms, non-specific malaise, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, myalgia, diarrhea, pallor, jaundice, petechiae, hepatosplenomegaly.
■ Leading cause of death in children in endemic regions.
Causes seizure, coma, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis.

Question 3

Diagnosis of Malaria Infection

Answer 3

Clinical/history, blood smear with trophozoites in RBCs.

Question 4

Treatment of Malaria Infection

Answer 4

Chloroquine if sensitive. If not, try mefloquine or atovaquone/ proguanil. If
still no effect/serious, try artemisinins
■ Treat hypnozoites (vivax/ovale) with primaquine to prevent recurrence.