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In the United States, it is not advisable to start
antimalarial treatment without a microscopic diagnosis. Presumptive
treatment can result in the unnecessary administration of
antimalarial drugs (with their potential associated adverse
effects) and the neglect of other possible etiologies. All
efforts should be made to have blood smears examined as rapidly
as possible (within one hour), in order to initiate the appropriate
treatment promptly. Under exceptional circumstances (strong
clinical suspicion or severe symptoms with no possible access
to microscopic diagnosis), presumptive treatment might be
justified.
Page last modified : April 23, 2004
Content source: Division of Parasitic Diseases
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
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