Blackwater fever is a complicated type of malaria infection and it occurs rarely.
In this condition, the red blood cells rupture into the bloodstream and due to rupturing of the RBCs, the hemoglobin directly enters the blood vessels and causes blood in urine and may frequently lead to kidney failure.
Due to the black or dark red colour of the urine, this condition is called blackwater fever.
The parasitic infection causing Blackwater infection is Plasmodium falciparum. Blackwater fever is fatal and therefore, the mortality rate is high. It is also considered to occur as an autoimmune reaction of the body against the parasitic interaction, severe infections, inorganic drug reactions from quinine, glycerin, phenol, blood transfusion from incompatible donors, toxemia during pregnancy and burns, and occasionally insect bites, from cold, and have high chances of reoccurrences if not treated well.
The rapid breakdown of RBCs causes mortality in most of the cases along with co-morbid conditions like hemoglobinuria, hemoglobinemia, anuria and jaundice.
Signs And Symptoms:
- Increased pulse
- High fever
- Sever Chills
- Extreme weakness
- Rapidly developing anemia
- Blood in urine
- Jaundice
- Vomiting.
Treatment usually includes anti-malarial drug, blood transfusion, intensive care, and dialysis in many cases the doctor may also prescribe intake of calcium or blood alkalinizes.
