Answer to Case 779

Answer to the Parasite Case of the Week 779: "Black Water fever" - a massive hemolytic event associated with P. falciparum infection and quinine administration. 

Black water fever was previously an important cause of death and was prominently reported in British soldiers in the early 20th century. Thankfully, it is rarely seen today with the advent of synthetic antimalarials (e.g., chloroquine) and artemisinin combination therapies. The exact etiology is poorly understood, and seems to be attributed to a complex interaction between the host RBC, the parasite, and antimalarial drugs. It may also occur more often in people with G6PD deficiency.