Malaria Flashcards
What is malaria?
A mosquito-borne illness caused by Plasmodium protozoa.
Is malaria a notifiable disease in the UK?
Yes.
What are the risk factors for malaria?
Travel or residence in endemic regions, immunocompromised state, inadequate use of prophylaxis.
What are common endemic regions for malaria?
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Southeast Asia
- South America
What is the typical incubation period for malaria symptoms?
1-4 weeks, but can lie dormant for years.
What are the symptoms of malaria?
- Fever spikes with chills and/or sweats
- Headache
- Myalgia, arthralgia
- Nausea, vomiting
What are common examination findings in malaria?
- Pallor (anaemia)
- Hepatosplenomegaly
- Jaundice
- Fever
What investigations are used in diagnosing malaria?
- Thick and thin blood smears
- FBC (Full Blood Count)
- Excluding malaria with three negative samples over three consecutive days
What is the treatment for non-falciparum/uncomplicated malaria?
- Oral artemisinin combination therapy (artemether with lumefantrine)
- Chloroquine
- Quinine
What is the treatment for falciparum/complicated malaria?
- Hospital admission
- IV artesunate
- Quinine dihydrochloride
What general advice is given for prophylaxis when traveling to endemic areas?
No method is 100% effective alone; use mosquito spray, mosquito nets, and take antimalarial medication as recommended.
What are some antimalarial medications?
- Proguanil with atovaquone (Malarone)
- Doxycycline
What is a serious complication of malaria?
Cerebral malaria.
What characterizes cerebral malaria?
Severe neurological complication where red cells adhere to brain microvasculature, causing microcirculatory obstruction, hypoxia, and cerebral oedema.
How is cerebral malaria managed?
With IV antimalarials and supportive care.
