Disease
Quaternary Malaria
Overview of Quaternary Malaria
Quaternary malaria, also known as quartan malaria, is a less common form of malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium malariae. Unlike the more aggressive forms like P. falciparum or P. vivax, this type tends to cause recurring fevers every 72 hours, referred to as quartan fever. Though considered milder, it can persist for years and lead to serious kidney complications if left untreated. The infection spreads through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito and has a global presence, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Types of Quaternary Malaria
- Plasmodium malariae Infection: Causes quartan malaria and presents with a 72-hour fever cycle.
- Mixed Infections: May occur alongside other Plasmodium species like P. falciparum or P. vivax, complicating the disease pattern.
- Chronic Quaternary Malaria: Persisting in the blood for years, often asymptomatic, but can lead to long-term complications.
Symptoms of Quaternary Malaria
- Cyclical fever spikes every 72 hours (quartan fever pattern)
- Chills and shaking during fever episodes
- Profuse sweating as fever breaks
- Headache and body aches
- Fatigue and weakness
- Enlarged spleen
- Mild jaundice in prolonged cases
- Persistent low-grade parasitemia
Causes of Quaternary Malaria
- Caused by the Plasmodium malariae parasite
- Transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito
- In rare cases, transmission via blood transfusion or contaminated needles
- May remain dormant in the blood and reactivate years later
Complications in Quaternary Malaria
- Chronic kidney disease (notably nephrotic syndrome)
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
- Anemia due to prolonged red blood cell destruction
- Relapsing febrile illness over months or years
- Rarely, immune complex-related damage to organs
Risk Factors of Quaternary Malaria
- Living in or traveling to malaria-endemic regions
- Lack of use of insect repellent or mosquito nets
- Weakened immune system
- Poor access to preventive healthcare
- Blood transfusions in endemic areas
Preventions of Quaternary Malaria
- Use insecticide-treated bed nets
- Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET or picaridin
- Wear long-sleeved clothing in mosquito-prone areas
- Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms
- Take antimalarial prophylaxis if traveling to endemic areas
- Ensure blood transfusions are screened in endemic countries
Diagnosis of Quaternary Malaria
- Blood smear under microscope to detect Plasmodium malariae
- Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria species detection
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for precise species confirmation
- Complete blood count (CBC) to assess anemia
- Kidney function tests in chronic cases
Treatments of Quaternary Malaria
- Chloroquine: Most effective drug for treating P. malariae
- Supportive care: For fever, anemia, and dehydration
- Monitoring kidney function: Especially in chronic infections
- Hospitalization: In rare, complicated, or mixed infections
- Follow-up blood tests: To confirm parasite clearance
Prognosis of Quaternary Malaria
- Generally good with early diagnosis and proper treatment
- Rarely causes death, but chronic complications can affect quality of life
- Relapse is uncommon after successful treatment
- Kidney complications may require long-term monitoring
- Lifelong immunity is not guaranteed; reinfection can occur
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Personalised Care for International Patients
- Personalised care plans for international patients with malaria
- Coordination with top infectious disease specialists in India
- Accurate diagnosis using modern lab and imaging tools
- Affordable treatment packages with hospital-accommodation support
- Assistance with travel, stay, and medical visa for seamless treatment
- Multilingual support for patients from over 20 countries
- Post-treatment follow-up and wellness care
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- What makes quartan malaria different from other types?
- How long will the fever last with P. malariae?
- Can I fully recover or will it come back?
- What kind of tests do I need?
- Is hospitalization required?
- Can I get infected again after treatment?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear explanation of the malaria type and infection stage
- Recommendations on the most effective medications
- Clarification about risks and expected recovery time
- Evaluation for organ involvement, especially kidneys
- Advice on preventing recurrence or reinfection
- Answers to personal concerns like travel and family safety