Malaria

• Malaria

  A complex, vector-transmitted, relapsing febrile infection of blood, liver and tissues
• Etiology (causative agents)

  • Plasmodium falciparum
  • P. malariae
  • P. ovale
  • P. vivax
• Malaria causative agent

  • Non-motile apicomplexan protozoan
  • Complex, multi-stage cycle
  • Vector transmitted - mosquitos
  • Like to live in moist environments (don't like cold places)
  • Second leading cause of death after HIV/AIDS
• Transmission

  Vector- Anopheles mosquito (female)
• Pathogenesis

  1. Mature merozoites detect body temp drop when host is sleeping

  2. RBC mass lysis releases metabolic waste, which is toxic, and induces symptoms and signs

  3. As liver clears toxic materials, symptoms clear
• Signs/Symptoms

  • Flu-like/cold with shivering
  • High fever and headache
  • Severe sweating
• Complications of Signs/Symptoms

  • Cerebral malaria
  • Respiratory distress
  • Anemia
• Pre-infection Therapy

  • Mefloquine
  • Doxycycline
• Infection Therapy

  • Quinine/Chloroquine drugs
• Prevention

  • Vaccine
  • Mosquito control (chemical)