The usual suspect-malaria? Diagnostic challenges in post-artesunate delayed haemolysis: a clinical laboratory perspective through a case report

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Molnar, E (Author) Other; Cabral, PM (Author) Other; Portal, F (Author) Other; Guimarães, A (Author) FMUP; Santos, L (Author) FMUP; Guimarães, JT (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Malaria Journal

ISSN: 1475-2875

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-01A-B82

DOI: 10.1186/s12936-025-05450-2

Abstract (EN): Malaria, a potentially fatal infectious disease, remains a significant global health concern, mainly in tropical regions. In Europe, its incidence is currently low and predominantly travel-related. Thus, a timely diagnosis requires healthcare teams to consider malaria in their differential diagnoses and obtain a thorough travel history. In medical laboratories, despite the present low case numbers, professionals must maintain a high diagnostic proficiency through continuous training and adherence to quality assurance programmes. First-line anti-malarial treatment with artemisinin derivatives is highly effective when implemented in a timely manner. However, as a consequence of their efficacy, a predictable haemolytic phenomenon may occur in some cases, which may be difficult to distinguish from manifestations of the disease itself. This mini review examines a case of travel-associated malaria to highlight diagnostic challenges from a medical laboratory perspective, with a particular focus on post-artesunate delayed haemolysis (PADH), a rare but potentially severe complication of malaria treatment.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7