A 46-year-old man from the UK is diagnosed with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria (parasitaemia 1.8%) acquired in Uganda. He is treated with artemet...

Question

A 46-year-old man from the UK is diagnosed with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria (parasitaemia 1.8%) acquired in Uganda. He is treated with artemether/lumefantrine. On day 28 follow-up, a blood film shows recurrent P. falciparum parasitaemia. How can recrudescence be distinguished from reinfection?

Accepted Answer

PCR genotyping can compare the parasite strains from the initial and recurrent infections

Answer

Recrudescence always occurs within 7 days; reinfection after 7 days

Answer

Recrudescence presents with severe malaria; reinfection is always mild

Answer

Drug levels in blood determine the cause; low levels always indicate non-adherence

Answer

There is no reliable method to distinguish recrudescence from reinfection

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): Malaria Recrudescence vs Reinfection