Malaria is generally endemic in the tropics, with extensions into subtropic regions. Malaria has long been among the most common diseases in the southeast Anatolia region of Turkey. The southeast Anatolia region is in upper Mesopotamia, covering Diyarbakir, SanliUrfa, GaziAntep, Adiyaman, Batman, Mardin, Siirt and Sirnak. The incidence of rupture of the spleen in malaria is poorly defined. Comparisons of cases that occur in the setting of natural or induced infection have most frequently been employed to investigate this issue.
Natural infection is that acquired via a mosquito bite or transpla-centally.
From only three of the reports can the incidence be calculated. Splenic enlargement is very common in malarious areas of the world. When a palpable spleen is present, it is generally appreciated within 3-4days of the onset of symptoms. If disease remains untreated, the spleen can grow. Both of the patients described above had P vivax infection.