Which of the following can occur in severe malaria infections?
Severe malaria can cause severe haemolytic anaemia, causing jaundice.
Thrombocytopenia occurs, and if severe enough, can lead to spontaneous and persistent mucosal bleeding. Endothelial disruption and inflammation can also trigger disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Renal failure occurs through a combination of microvascular cytoadherence, hypovolaemia and inflammatory cytokines. Seizures occur as part of cerebral malaria, caused again by microvascular cytoadherence and inflammation, leading to disruption of the blood-brain barrier.