Malaria - Week 22

Question 1

What is malaria?

Answer 1

Infectious diseases caused by members of the Plasmodium family of protozoan parasites

Spread via bites of female anopheles mosquito

Question 2

Types of malaria causing mosquitoes?

Answer 2

Plasmodium falciparum is the most severe and dangerous form
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium malariae

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of malaria?

Answer 3

High risk = poor rural population in endemic areas
travel in endemic areas
lack of prophylaxis

Question 4

Presentation of malaria?

Answer 4

Fever sweats and rigors
Malaise- general feeling of being unwell
Myalgia- muscle aches and pains
headache
vomiting
Pallor- anaemia
Abdominal Pain (Hepatosplenomegaly- liver and spleen swelling)
Jaundice

Question 5

What are complications of malaria?

Answer 5

coma, seizures, severe anaemia, acute renal failure, sepsis, spontaneous bleeding

Question 6

Investigations for malaria?

Answer 6

Recent travel history
Malaria blood film (thick and thin films)

Thin films are quicker
Thick films more accurate
Shows parasite, conc and malaria type

Question 7

Management for malaria?

Answer 7

Contact infectious diseases

Oral options in uncomplicated malaria:

Artemether with lumefantrine (Riamet)
Proguanil and atovaquone (Malarone)
Quinine sulphate
Doxycycline

Intravenous options in severe or complicated malaria:
Artesunate. This is the most effective treatment .
Quinine

Question 8

Prognosis for malaria?

Answer 8

If treatment quickly - rapid and complete recovery

Delayed treatment - severe or fatal malaria can occur