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The ultimate conclusion of malaria, if left untreated, can be coma and death when infected with the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, but although infection by the vivax, ovale and malariae parasite is less life threatening, these infections also need urgent medical attention.
Result of infection with the Plasmodium falciparum parasite 
If left untreated, infection with the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite can include the following:
Infection of the brain (cerebral malaria), with or without seizures and confusion. Left untreated this would lead to coma and death.
- Kidney failure
- Abnormal and compromised liver function Anemia (anaemia)
- A build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema (oedema))
- A decreased in the number of white blood cells
- Hypoglycemia (hypoglycaemia) (Low blood sugar )
- Lactic acidosis (lowered pH of the blood)
- Blood chemistry being altered including low sodium content
- "Black water fever" (so called because to the resultant dark urine) which indicates the wholesale destruction of red blood cells when infected and destroyed by the parasite.
Correct and urgent diagnosis of malaria infection is required, and can treated successfully with a variety of drugs.
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