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Clinical Features Of Malaria And Typhoid Fever
Abstract
Features to distinguish Malaria from Typhoid fever. These can be discerned from a good and detailed clinical history, in addition to a thorough physical examination. The following would help. The paroxysms of malaria fever as against the step ladder pattern fever of typhoid fever.
The prominence of headaches in typhoid fever as well as the presence of G.I.T. symptoms is not as pronounced in malaria. Anemia and splenomegaly could be found in both but more consistently in typhoid fever. Relative bradycardia as well as leucopenia are features of typhoid fever and not of malaria.
Rising of agglutination titres on sequential testing is suggestive of typhoid fever, however, when taken in reference to the prevailing titre level in the population. The presence of plasmodium in either thick or thin blood film with the presence of the clinical symptoms and signs is diagnostic of malaria.
To minimize the mix up between the two febrile conditions, appropriate request for investigations is mandatory for the attending doctor. The usage standard laboratory, and ensuring that only well preserved reagents are used is advised. Diagnosis hurriedly based on investigations alone but devoid of adequate clinical history and physical examination must be de-emphasized.
Jnl Med. Investigation & Practice Vol. 3 2001: 65-67
The prominence of headaches in typhoid fever as well as the presence of G.I.T. symptoms is not as pronounced in malaria. Anemia and splenomegaly could be found in both but more consistently in typhoid fever. Relative bradycardia as well as leucopenia are features of typhoid fever and not of malaria.
Rising of agglutination titres on sequential testing is suggestive of typhoid fever, however, when taken in reference to the prevailing titre level in the population. The presence of plasmodium in either thick or thin blood film with the presence of the clinical symptoms and signs is diagnostic of malaria.
To minimize the mix up between the two febrile conditions, appropriate request for investigations is mandatory for the attending doctor. The usage standard laboratory, and ensuring that only well preserved reagents are used is advised. Diagnosis hurriedly based on investigations alone but devoid of adequate clinical history and physical examination must be de-emphasized.
Jnl Med. Investigation & Practice Vol. 3 2001: 65-67
