Question

A 40 year old woman was well until 2 days ago, when she experienced the sudden onset of fever, shaking chills and profuse sweating. Today she also complains of headache abdominal pain but no nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. She does not have a stiff neck, rash or altered mental status. Travel history reveals she returned form an extended trip to several countires in Central Africa 1 week ago. Blood smear reveals ring-shaped trophozoites within red bleed cells. What is the etiologic agent and disease?

Answer 1

Solution: According to the given scenario her blood smear reveals ring-shaped trophozoites within red bleed cells. Trophozoites make-up of the classic ring-shaped parasites in red blood cells are observed uring the diagnosis of malaria under a microscopic view. The characteristics of this ring are important in determining the specific species of malaria during diagnosis.

The travel history of the patient can also reveals she returned form an extended trip to several countires in Central Africa 1 week ago.In the Central African Republic malaria is the leading death causing disease.

Malaria:

Causative agents:

Among the humans malaria was caused by one of four species of the Plasmodium parasite transmitted by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. The disease malaria was mainly caused by Plasmodium genus parasites  P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale,  and P. falciparum. But this infection was most commonly caused by P. vivax or P. falciparum.

Modes of transmission: It can be transmitted through the bite of an infective female Anopheles mosquito. The blood transfusion from the infected persons and the contaminated needles usage are other potential modes of transmission. Congenital transmission of malaria may also occur.

Diagnostic techniques:

Laboratory Criteria for Diagnosis: Malaria parasites are demonstrates in blood films.

Diagnostic Testing: Blood smear  

1. Specimen Needed: Thick and thin blood smears,

2. Outfit: Blood smear,

3. Lab Form: 3415

4. Lab Performed Tests: blood smears was microscopically identified for pathogens.

Prevention/treatment:

Prevent mosquito bites in all risky areas and take precautionary measures.

Appropriate medication was recommended.

If any flu like symptoms was noticed, then seek immediate medical attention

Reference:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Transfusion?Transmitted Malaria Mis? souri and Pennsylvania, 1996?1998. MMWR 1999; 48(12): 253?256.

Chin J, ed. Malaria. In: Control of Communicable Diseases Manual. 17 th ed. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association, 2000: pp. 310?323.