Malaria

Author: Wallisa Roberts / Editor: Sandi Angus / Codes: / Published: 23/04/2026

Malaria is the most common, imported tropical disease in the UK. Patients with a history of recent travel from malaria endemic regions should be screened for the plasmodium parasite via thick/thin blood films. None of the scoring systems have been validated for use in classifying imported malaria. Currently, intravenous artesunate is the first line treatment for severe malaria. However, local Infectious Disease specialists should be consulted prior to commencing treatment. The most common complications of severe malaria requiring ITU admission include ARDS, AKI and cerebral malaria.

This module covers the epidemiology, pathophysiology and lifecycle of Malaria, alongside recognising and managing severe cases and initiating appropriate treatment.

Learning objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:

• Understand the epidemiology of malaria.
• Understand the patient demographics of imported malaria.  
• Understand the life cycle of the plasmodium parasite.
• Understand the pathophysiology of malaria.
• Identify the sick malarial patient.
• Effectively manage patients presenting with severe malaria

References

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