Diagnosis of malaria infection

The technical capability to perform a correct diagnosis of malaria infection is of the outmost importance in several settings, not only in endemic countries, for clinical, epidemiological and research purposes. Due to the practical nature of this Handbook, which is addressed to health workers in the field, this chapter will mainly concentrate on bedside simple technology to perform an adequate diagnosis of malaria infection, even though brief notes on the most updated and sophisticated diagnostic tools will also be offered to the reader. The correct and timely diagnosis of malaria infection in a ill patient is in fact of critical importance since symptoms of complicated malaria may suddenly develop, possibly leading to death despite intensive care efforts.