infections
Malaria
Diagnosis of Malaria
A rapid diagnostic blood test Examination of a blood sample under a microscope A doctor suspects malaria when a person develops fever and other characteristic symptoms during or after travel to an area where malaria is present. Periodic fever develops in fewer than half of American travelers with malaria but, when present, suggests the diagnosis of malaria. Malaria is diagnosed whenPlasmodiumparasites are detected by A rapid diagnostic blood test that detects proteins released by malaria parasites (for this test, a blood sample and certain chemicals are placed on the test card, and after about 20 minutes, specific bands appear on the card if the person has malaria) Microscopic examination of a blood sample Both tests should be done when possible. If doctors do not see malaria parasites during microscopic examination but they still suspect malaria, they take additional blood samples every 4 to 6 hours to check for the parasites. Laboratories try to identify the species ofPlasmodiumbecause the treatment, complications, and prognosis vary depending on the species involved. The rapid diagnostic blood test can detectPlasmodium falciparummalaria as effectively as microscopic examination, but it is not quite as reliable for detecting otherPlasmodiumspecies and does not identify people simultaneously infected with more than one type of malaria. That is why both the rapid diagnostic test and microscopic examination of blood should be done if available. IfPlasmodium falciparuminfection is suspected, immediate evaluation and treatment are needed. 