A febrile traveller returns from Papua New Guinea. Blood film shows two Plasmodium species: P. falciparum ring forms and P. malariae band-form trophoz...

Question

A febrile traveller returns from Papua New Guinea. Blood film shows two Plasmodium species: P. falciparum ring forms and P. malariae band-form trophozoites. The patient is treated for the P. falciparum with artemether/lumefantrine. Is additional treatment required for the P. malariae component?

Accepted Answer

No; artemether/lumefantrine has activity against all Plasmodium species including P. malariae erythrocytic stages, so no additional blood-stage treatment is needed

Answer

Yes, chloroquine must be added for P. malariae

Answer

Yes, primaquine must be added for P. malariae radical cure

Answer

Yes, intravenous quinine is required for P. malariae

Answer

P. malariae co-infection is clinically irrelevant and requires no consideration

uk-dtmh MCQ (SBA): P. falciparum/P. malariae Mixed Infection

A febrile traveller returns from Papua New Guinea. Blood film shows two Plasmodium species: P. falciparum ring forms and P. malariae band-form trophozoites. The patient is treated for the P. falciparum with artemether/lumefantrine. Is additional treatment required for the P. malariae component?