Malaria Flashcards
How is malaria transmitted.
Via mosquito bites.
What is the name given to the parasite that causes malaria.
Plasmodium.
How many plasmodium species are there.
4.
What are the plasmodium species. (4)
Falciparum.
Vivax.
Ovale.
Malariae.
Which two plasmodium species can remain dormant and cause recurrent infections. (2)
Ovale.
Vivax.
Where does malaria occur.
In tropical areas.
What are the symptoms of malaria. (6)
Fever. Fatigue. Myalgia. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting.
What are the physical signs of malaria. (4)
Tachycardia.
Anaemia.
Jaundice.
Splenomegaly.
What tests should be carried out in a patient with malaria. (10)
FBC (anaemia, thrombocytopenia). Clotting (DIC). Glucose (hypoglycaemia). ABG/lactate (lactic acidosis). UandEs (renal failure). LFTs. CRP/ESR. Urinalysis (haemoglubinuria, proteinuria, casts). Blood smears.
What is seen on the blood results of a patient with malaria. (3)
Anaemia.
Raised ESR.
Raised CRP.
What is the main subspecies that can cause complications in malaria.
Falciparum malaria.
What are the clinical manifestations of falciparum malaria. (3)
Renal impairment.
Hypoglycaemia.
Cerebral malaria.
What are the symptoms of falciparum malaria. (6)
Prodromal headache. Malaise. Myalgia. Possible faints. Fever.
What are the main physical signs of falciparum malaria. (3)
Anaemia.
Jaundice.
Hepatosplenomegaly.
What is not seen in falciparum malaria. (2)
No rash or lymphadenopathy.
What are the complications of falciparum malaria. (2)
Anaemia.
Thrombocytopenia.
What are the ‘5 grim signs’ associated with survival rate in falciparum malaria. (5)
Reduced consciousness/coma (cerebral malaria). Convulsions. Co-existing chronic illness. Acidosis. Renal failure.
What blood test is done to diagnose malaria.
Thick and thin blood films.
What is the most dangerous form of malaria.
Falciparum malaria.
What is the mortality rate for falciparum malaria. (2)
100% if left untreated.
15-20% with treatment.
What are some protective factors against malaria. (4)
G6PD deficiency.
Sickle cell trait.
Melanaesian ovalocytosis.
Some HLAB53 alleles enable T cells to kill parasite infected hepatocytes in non-Europeans.
What is the newest form of malaria.
Plasmodium knowlesi.
Who is the primary carrier of p.knowlesi malaria.
Common in monkeys.
Who is susceptible to malaria in the West.
Travellers.
How many malaria cases are reported in the UK due to travelling.
2,000 per annum.
What occurs to RBCs infected with malaria.
Haemolysis.
What is seen on a blood film in a patient infected with malaria. (3)
Ring form on RBCs.
Trophozoite in RBCs.
Schizont in RBCs.
What are the neurological signs of malaria. (5)
Coma. Hypoglycaemia. Seizures. Cranial nerve palsies. Opisthotonus.
What are the features of the FBC in a patient with malaria. (4)
Parasitaemia.
Anaemia.
Thrombocytopenia.
Colagulopathy.
What are the respiratory features of malaria infection. (2)
Pulmonary oedema.
Secondary bacterial pneumonia.
What are the CVS features of malaria infection. (3)
Shock.
Cardiac failure (‘algid malaria’).
Dysrhythmias with quinine.
What are the renal features of malaria infection. (2)
Acute renal failure.
Severe haemolysis resulting in haemoglobinuria (‘blackwater fever’).
What are the abdominal features of malaria infection. (3)
Jaundice.
Tender liver edge with hepatitis.
Pain in LUQ with splenomegaly.
What optic sign can malaria cause.
Retinopathy with roth spots.
What is the most important diagnostic features of malaria.
Fevers in any patient who has a travel history - very important to diagnose and direct investigations according to risk status.
Who is most at risk of complications of a malaria infection.
Pregnant women.
