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Treat
as if chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria
A
reasonable option, signifying that in the absence of definitive microscopic
diagnosis, you prefer to play it safe and treat the patient for the most
dangerous and rapidly progressing infection possible.
The
safest course of action is to initially admit all cases of proven or suspected
P. falciparum to the hospital until one can begin treatment and
ensure that they are improving clinically and parasitologically.
However
in this case, if the patient is only minimally symptomatic, one might
elect against hospitalization and instead treat as an outpatient provided
that close follow-up can be arranged. Once the definitive microscopic
diagnosis is made the following day, you can always switch treatment.
There is another correct answer to this question. What other treatment approach
would you recommend?
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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