Which test is used to diagnose malaria in a febrile traveller returning from the Amazon?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Thick and thin blood films with a rapid test
- Step 1: Malaria parasites live in red blood cells. Step 2. Thick films detect parasites, and thin films identify the species and density. Answer: Thick and thin blood films. Why not the others: A chest film and sputum smear target tuberculosis. Stool and urine tests do not show Plasmodium. A lumbar puncture is not a diagnostic test for malaria.
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