Summary
- Malaria is a widely distributed tropical infection caused by vector-borne parasites of the genus Plasmodium.
- In Western countries, almost all malaria occurs in travellers; therefore, the diagnosis may be missed if a history of travel is not elicited.
- Patients typically present with non-specific symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, and myalgia.
- Examination of a Giemsa-stained blood film remains the diagnostic test of choice.
- Once diagnosis of malaria is confirmed, treatment should be started urgently, as a delay may be associated with disease progression and complications.
- Management should be undertaken in conjunction with an infectious diseases specialist.
Other related conditions
- Typhoid infection
- Influenza infection
- HIV infection
- Yellow fever
- Schistosomiasis
- Leptospirosis
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Overview of pneumonia
- Assessment of anaemia
- Assessment of fever of unknown origin
- Assessment of fever of unknown origin in children
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Amoebiasis
- Assessment of metabolic acidosis
- Haemolytic anaemia
- Acute renal failure
- Non-diabetic hypoglycaemia
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Legionella infection
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Overview of seizure disorder
- Sepsis
Last updated: Jan 18, 2013
