Malaria. Issue 3 (11th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fletcher, Tom E; Beeching, N J
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps. Volume 159:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 158
• Page End: 166
• Publication Date: 2013-07-11
• Subjects: Malaria -- Military -- Clinical presentation -- Plasmodium Falciparum -- Rapid Diagnostic tests -- Severe malaria
• DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2013-000112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-8665

Abstract

Abstract : Malaria is a life-threatening disease, with its largest impact being due to Plasmodium falciparum infection in Africa. Military populations continue to be at a high risk of malaria and reported case series have frequently revealed poor compliance with preventative measures. The symptoms of malaria are non-specific and its management depends on awareness of the diagnosis and early recognition and treatment. This is aided by new and simple rapid diagnostic tests, but these should not replace the examination of blood films if these are available. Artemisinin combination therapy provides a more rapid and dependable cure of uncomplicated P falciparum infection, with artesunate now being the drug of choice in severe infection.