| The diagnosis
of malaria rests on the demonstration of asexual forms of the
parasite in peripheral blood smears stained with Giemsa’s
stain. Clinically, any patient suffering from fever with rigors
in an endemic area should arouse a suspicion of malaria. |
| DIAGNOSIS
BY THE DOCTOR |
Although
the diagnosis of malaria is by demonstration of the parasite
in peripheral blood smears, fever cases without the following
associated symptoms may be considered as malaria in endemic
areas.
- Cough – Acute respiratory infections
- Cold with running nose
- Burning micturition
- Skin infections e.g. boils, abscess, infected wounds
- Painful swelling of joints
- Ear discharge
|
| Clinical
features of malaria |
- Fever may be continuous or there may be intermittent
paroxysms.
- Anaemia and splenomegaly may be present.
- Other clinical features described under Clinical Presentation
aid clinical diagnosis
|
