Quartan Malaria with Anemia and Thrombocytopenia

Malaria is a life-threatening result of infection by Plasmodium species. Indonesia reports the second largest number of malaria of the Asian continent. Plasmodium malariae infection is a rare form of malaria, and is characterized by a relatively low parasitic load. However, the disease can progress rapidly and, in the absence of treatment, may lead to death within hours or days. A male 42 y.o was admitted with sustained fever for 2 weeks and vomiting. The patient had a history of traveling of travel to an endemic area, Papua, 2 weeks prior to admission. A complete blood examination found anemia and thrombocytopenia, while a microscopic examination showed Plasmodium malariae species with 3,200/μL parasites. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) showed a positive result for Pan. Compared to other Plasmodium species P. malariae remains neglected due to its low prevalence with relatively lower disease severity. Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing complications.