Malaria Self Test Module

Presented with fever; recent trips to Asia and Africa.

Click on one of the following:

	Plasmodium falciparum
	Plasmodium vivax
	Plasmodium ovale
	Plasmodium malariae
	Malarial parasites not seen

Plasmodium falciparum?

Sorry!  Have another look.

The infected red cells are slightly enlarged (x3) and contain developing parasites.
Developing forms of the parasite are very rarely observed in P.falciparum.

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Plasmodium vivax?

Sorry!  Have another look.

A good try.  You obviously noted that the parasitised red cells were slightly enlarged and
that the parasites were developing forms.  Have another look and pay particular
attention to the shape of the infected red cells and the history.

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Plasmodium ovale?

Excellent!  Give yourself a pat on the back.

You obviously noted that the parasitised red cells were slightly enlarged and were
tending towards comet shape.  Together with the history of recent travel in Africa,
this would be fairly conclusive for P. ovale.  Well done!

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Plasmodium malariae?

Sorry!  Have another look.

The infected red cells are slightly enlarged and are distinctively ovoid in shape,
containing developing forms of the parasite.  Try again and pay particular attention to the history.

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Malarial parasites not seen?

Sorry!  Have another look.

There are three parasites in this field, all within slightly enlarged red cells.
Have another look and try to identify the species before moving on to the next image.
The shape of the infected red cells and the history may give you a clue.

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