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Falciparum Malaria — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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ModerateInfectious DiseasesFalciparum MalariaRACP Adult Medicine

A 28-year-old man from rural Queensland presents with a 5-day history of fever, rigors, headache, and myalgia after returning from Papua New Guinea. Blood film shows ring forms within red blood cells with some cells showing multiple infections. Parasite count is 8%. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: E — Plasmodium falciparum malaria

High parasitaemia (>2%), multiple ring forms per RBC, and travel to PNG (endemic for P. falciparum) is consistent with P. falciparum malaria. This species causes severe malaria. With parasitaemia >2% or any severe features, IV artesunate is first-line treatment (available via TGA SAS in Australia).

Reference: eTG Antibiotic – 2025 – Malaria; WHO 2022 Malaria Treatment Guidelines