Malaria, falciparum
The most dangerous type of malaria.
Caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, this type of malaria is associated with high levels of parasites in the blood.
Red blood cells infected with the parasites tend to sludge in capillaries and form microinfarctions -- little areas where tissue dies due to lack of oxygen -- in the brain, liver, adrenal gland, intestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, and other organs.
Treatment is in a hospital setting, using intravenous medications