Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

In Vivo Tracking of Edema Development and Microvascular Pathology in a Model of Experimental Cerebral Malaria Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: June 8, 2017
[Severe malarial infection in adults aged over 18 years: one-year experience]
Luis Arencibia Pita1, Martha Rosendo Jiménez, Aracelis Serrano Murillo
1Clínica Meditex Luanda, Angola. arencibiapita@yahoo.es
Insights
Severe malaria, a major cause of ICU admissions in Africa, primarily affects the brain and liver, irrespective of parasite levels. This study in Luanda found lower mortality rates than previously reported.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Clinical research
Context:
- Severe malaria is a leading cause of intensive care unit (ICU) admission in many African nations.
- Understanding organ-specific impacts and parasitemia levels is crucial for managing severe malaria.
- This study was conducted in Luanda, Angola, from January to December 2004.
Purpose:
- To identify the most frequently affected organs in severe malaria cases.
- To investigate the influence of parasitemia levels on organ involvement.
- To evaluate common complications and mortality rates associated with severe malaria.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional descriptive study included critically ill patients over 18 with Apache II scores >20.
- The clinical cerebral form was most prevalent (42.2%), often with low parasitemia (<1000/mm³).
- Brain and hepatic complications were most serious and frequent, showing no correlation with admission parasitemia levels.
Impact:
- The findings highlight brain and liver as key target organs in severe malaria.
- Reduced fluid volume was a common complication, successfully managed with fluid intake.
- The study reported a lower mortality rate compared to previous research, suggesting potential improvements in care or specific patient demographics.
Abstract:
The severe malarial forms are the main cause of admission to ICU in the majority of African countries, therefore, a cross-sectional descriptive trial was carried out in Meditex Clic in Luanda (January-December 2004) to evaluate the organs mostly affected and how the level of parasitemia influence them. Seriously-ill patients aged over 18 years, with Apache II score exceeding 20 points in Apache II score were included Once the most frequent severe forms of presentation and their association with the level of parasitemia were known, then common complications and mortality were evaluated. Clinical cerebral form (42.2%) prevailed, with the lowest parasitemia on admission, that is below 1000 x mm (68.2%), p < 0.005. A great deal of patients suffered reduced fluid volume as a complication resulting from fluid deficit, which clinically overcome after corrective actions based on fluid intake. The mortality rate observed in this study was lower than that reported by other trials. It was concluded that brain and hepatic effects are the most serious and frequent forms of presentation, with no association with the parasitemia level on admission.
More Related Videos
09:02An Experimental Model to Study Tuberculosis-Malaria Coinfection upon Natural Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium berghei
Published on: February 17, 2014
08:14An In Vitro Model for Measuring Immune Responses to Malaria in the Context of HIV Co-infection
Published on: October 6, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Arboviral Encephalitis
Symbiosis
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Encephalitis l: Introduction