P. malariae malaria is a form of malaria produced by infection with the Plasmodium malariae parasite, one of several Plasmodium species that cause human malaria [1][3].
Disease overview
Parasitic Evidence-backed information EN 5/7 applicable sections · ZH 5/7 applicable sections Updated Oct 23, 2026
Plasmodium malariae malaria is a parasitic infection caused by P. malariae and transmitted chiefly through infected female Anopheles mosquitoes [1]. In China, 581 cases were reported from 2013 to 2022, mostly imported and concentrated in adults aged 20–59 years [2]. Severe disease is uncommon, with a pooled global prevalence of about 3% among infected patients [3].
Read the full clinical and epidemiological profile 6
The illness commonly presents with fever, chills, headache, malaise, nausea, anemia, and jaundice [1]. Chronic or repeated P. malariae infection may lead to nephrotic syndrome, while severe manifestations such as severe anemia, pulmonary complications, and renal impairment are rare, with an estimated 3% pooled prevalence of severe infection [1][3].
Malaria risk is present in endemic settings, with P. malariae generally showing longer incubation than P. falciparum [1]. In China during 2013–2022, 581 P. malariae cases were reported, predominantly imported from 41 countries and distributed across 27 provinces, with a small indigenous outbreak in Hainan and cases concentrated in the 20–59 year age group [2]. Globally, severe P. malariae infection affected about 3% of 10,520 documented patients in a pooled analysis [3].
The infection is acquired mainly through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, with rare blood-borne or congenital transmission routes [1].
Central prevention measures are avoidance of mosquito bites and use of indicated antimalarial prophylaxis taken as prescribed [1]. Travelers' prophylactic use is highly effective but may delay symptom onset for weeks or months after leaving endemic areas [1]. In China, the imported nature of most cases underscores the need for vigilance and prompt diagnosis among returning travelers to prevent local spread [2].
- 1 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical Features of Malaria | Malaria | CDC [Internet]. cited 23 Oct 2026. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/hcp/clinical-features/index.html
- 2 Zhang L et al. Epidemiological characteristics of Plasmodium malariae malaria in China: a malaria that should not be neglected post elimination. Infect Dis Poverty. 2023 Nov 20. PMID: 37986018. doi: 10.1186/s40249-023-01156-2. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37986018/
- 3 Kotepui M et al. Global prevalence and mortality of severe Plasmodium malariae infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Malar J. 2020 Jul 31. PMID: 32736635. doi: 10.1186/s12936-020-03344-z. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32736635/
- B52
- 1F40
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