Case study

A middle-aged university professor reported to the doctor after a night of profuse sweating (with hot and cold spells), nausea and aches. He had been working hard after returning from a research trip in South America and originally thought the symptoms were based on exhaustion and a diet or junk food as he worked late at the university.

Reviewing his charts, his doctor noted that he hadn't taken a prophylaxis for malaria before leaving on the trip. The professor admitted that he had been rushed before this trip and forgot to take care of it, though he had traveled to South America every summer for 10 years and had no problems with health after returning from other trips.

1. What type of blood test would the doctor order to verify the presence of malaria in this patient?

2. The doctor ordered a consult from a nephrologist. Why?

3. What well-described genetic condition actually helps prevent malarial infection?