Plasmodium falciparum malaria is a form of malaria caused by infection with the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. It is particularly important because it can progress rapidly and cause severe, potentially life-threatening complications.
The infection is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. After entering the body, the parasite initially develops in liver cells before infecting red blood cells, where it multiplies. The destruction of red blood cells and other effects of the infection contribute to symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, weakness, and anemia.
P. falciparum malaria ranges from uncomplicated illness to severe disease involving the brain, lungs, kidneys, blood, or other organs. Severe complications can include cerebral malaria, severe anemia, acute kidney injury, respiratory distress, and impaired consciousness. Severe malaria is a medical emergency because it can be fatal without prompt, effective treatment.
Diagnosis usually involves testing a blood sample using microscopy or a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). These tests help detect malaria parasites or parasite components. Further assessment may be needed to determine disease severity and identify complications.
Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and applicable national treatment guidelines. Uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria is generally treated with an appropriate artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). Severe malaria requires urgent hospital treatment, typically with intravenous or intramuscular artesunate, followed by a complete course of an appropriate oral antimalarial combination once the patient can tolerate oral medication.
QUICK FACT
P. falciparum malaria can become severe even when early symptoms initially resemble an ordinary febrile illness. Prompt testing and appropriate treatment are particularly important when malaria is suspected.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- Malaria: The general disease caused by infection with malaria parasites from several Plasmodium species. P. falciparum malaria specifically identifies disease caused by this species.
- Uncomplicated malaria: Malaria without clinical or laboratory features that indicate severe disease.
- Severe malaria: Malaria accompanied by serious clinical or laboratory abnormalities that indicate a high risk of death without urgent treatment.
- Malaria parasite: The organism responsible for the infection, rather than the disease it causes.
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