Abstract
BackgroundPlasmodium falciparum is responsible for the vast majority of (severe) clinical malaria cases in most African settings. Other Plasmodium species often go undiagnosed but may still have clinical consequences.Case presentationHere, five cases of Plasmodium malariae infections from Eastern Uganda (aged 2–39 years) are presented. These infections were all initially mistaken for P. falciparum, but Plasmodium schizonts (up to 2080/µL) were identified by microscopy. Clinical signs included history of fever and mild anaemia.ConclusionThese findings highlight the importance of considering non-falciparum species as the cause of clinical malaria. In areas of intense P. falciparum transmission, where rapid diagnostic tests that detect only P. falciparum antigens are commonly used, non-falciparum malaria cases may be missed.
Highlights
Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the vast majority of clinical malaria cases in most African settings
These findings highlight the importance of considering non-falciparum species as the cause of clinical malaria
Other Plasmodium species are endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, including Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae [2]
Summary
These findings highlight the importance of considering non-falciparum species as the cause of clinical malaria. In areas of intense P. falciparum transmission, where rapid diagnostic tests that detect only P. falciparum antigens are commonly used, non-falciparum malaria cases may be missed. Keyword: Plasmodium malariae, P. falciparum, Diagnosis, Misdiagnosis, Schizonts, Microscopy
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