Malaria

Question 1

What are the pathogens for malaria?

Answer 1

• Parasite - plasmodium - different species

Question 2

What are the different species of plasmodium?

Answer 2

• P.falciparum
• P.vivax
• P.ovale
• P.malariae
• P.knowlesii

Question 3

What are the tests for malaria?

Answer 3

• Blood film 3x
• FBC - decreased Hb, WCC, platelets
• LFTs
• Glucose
• Coagulation
• Biochem - increased urea, creatinine, bilirubin, CRP

Question 4

Who is at risk for malaria?

Answer 4

• Recent travel to Africa, SE Asia

* Insect bites

Question 5

What are the symptoms of malaria?

Answer 5

• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Chills
• Dry cough
• Enlarged spleen
• Nausea

Question 6

What is the treatment for malaria?

Answer 6

• Falciparum infection - artesunate

* P. vivid, ovale, malariae - chloroquine

Question 7

What are the complications of malaria?

Answer 7

• Cardiovascular - tachycardia, hypotension, arrhythmias
• Acute kidney injury
• Blood - DIC, thrombocytopenia
• Hypoglycaemia