Microbiology Interview Question:

A 44-year-old native Nigerian who has lived in the USA for 10 years returned to visit his family in Africa and now presents with a history of shaking chills, followed by high fever and then profuse sweating. He states that this is the most severe case of malaria he has ever had. His blood smear shows malaria organisms consistent with Plasmodium falciparum. Which of the following statements is false regarding P. falciparum?

Submitted by: Administrator

* A. His symptoms are more severe this time because he has lost some of the immunity that comes with frequent recurrences of malaria
* B. Taking appropriate prophylactic medication has an 80-90% chance of preventing P. falciparum malaria
* C. P. falciparum causes organ damage in the brain, lungs, and kidneys because of adhesion of infected red cells to the endothelium of the capillaries which impairs the microcirculation to these organs
* D. P. falciparum gametocytes are ameboid shaped
* E. Plasmodium falciparum has the highest mortality rate of the four malaria species

Correct Answer: D
Submitted by: Administrator