Inf: Non-Falciparum Malaria: Free MSRA Podcast

🦟 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Non-falciparum Malaria: Key Differences, Relapse Risks & UK PracticeMalaria revision made simple! This episode breaks down non-falciparum malaria for the MSRA: from Plasmodium vivax and ovale’s sneaky relapses, to diagnosis and treatment pitfalls, travel risk, and the all-important G6PD test. Clinical pearls, classic questions, and practical prevention tips—crucial for any UK clinician.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition & Species:• Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, P. knowlesi (NOT P. falciparum)• P. knowlesi is the one non-falciparum species that can cause severe disease📌 Global/Epidemiology:• Non-falciparum malaria is common globally—esp. Central/South America (vivax), Africa (ovale), SE Asia (knowlesi)• UK cases are imported only: 1,300–1,800/year, deaths rare but prevention is key• Malaria is notifiable in the UK—must report confirmed cases📌 Transmission & Life Cycle:• Spread by female Anopheles mosquito• Parasites first go to liver, then invade red blood cells• P. vivax & P. ovale form dormant “hypnozoites” in liver → cause relapses months/years later📌 Risk Factors:• Travel to endemic areas (especially rural/outdoors, high humidity/rainfall, dusk–dawn exposure)• Young, elderly, pregnant, immunosuppressed, and anyone not immune• Major UK deaths = failure to take prophylaxis (87% of deaths in 2019 had no prophylaxis!)📌 Clinical Features:• Classic: Cyclical fevers, chills/rigors, sweating, headache, muscle aches, malaise, nausea• P. vivax/ovale: Tertian (48hr) fever; P. malariae: Quartan (72hr) fever• P. malariae is associated with nephrotic syndrome• Splenomegaly, anaemia, GI symptoms• P. knowlesi can cause severe, falciparum-like disease• Always ask about travel history (up to months ago!)📌 Diagnosis:• Gold standard: Blood film (thick & thin smears) to identify species and count parasites• Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): fast, but less sensitive and can’t always tell species• PCR: for confirmation, especially if species unclear• ALWAYS check G6PD before giving primaquine (to prevent haemolysis)📌 Management:• Uncomplicated non-falciparum: Usually outpatient, oral therapy• P. vivax/ovale: Chloroquine (if sensitive) plus primaquine to eradicate liver hypnozoites & prevent relapse (NEVER give primaquine without G6PD test!)• P. malariae and P. knowlesi: Chloroquine if sensitive; ACT in resistant areas• Severe/complicated cases—discuss with infectious diseases, may need inpatient care• ALL malaria cases in the UK: discuss with ID/malaria specialist, follow UKHSA guidelines📌 Complications:• Rare in non-falciparum (except P. knowlesi)• Anaemia, splenomegaly, relapse (esp. vivax/ovale), nephrotic syndrome• Severe complications—mainly falciparum: cerebral malaria, renal failure, ARDS, shock📌 Prevention:• Chemoprophylaxis (Malarone, doxycycline, mefloquine—as per destination)• Insecticide-treated nets, repellents, long sleeves, avoiding dusk–dawn exposure• New malaria vaccines in development📎 More Non-falciparum Malaria MSRA Resources:📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/malaria-non-falciparum-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/malaria-non-falciparum-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/malaria-non-falciparum-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/malaria-non-falciparum-rapid-quiz/🔗 Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/malaria-non-falciparum/🎓 Infectious Diseases for the MSRA: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/infectious-diseases-for-the-msra/#MSRA #Malaria #NonFalciparum #Vivax #Ovale #Knowlesi #MalariaRevision #TravelMedicine #G6PD #MedicalEducation #PassTheMSRA #RevisionPodcast