Malaria is a potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The causative organism of malaria is a type of protozoan parasite known as Plasmodium.
There are five species of Plasmodium that are known to cause malaria in humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. P. falciparum is the most deadly and is responsible for most malaria-related deaths worldwide. It is also the most widespread and can be found in most tropical and subtropical regions. P. vivax is the most common and is found in many parts of the world, including Central and South America, Asia, and parts of Africa. P. ovale and P. malariae are less common and are mostly found in Africa and Asia. P. knowlesi is a rare but potentially severe form of malaria that is found in Southeast Asia.
The life cycle of Plasmodium involves both human and mosquito hosts. When a mosquito bites an infected person, the parasites in the mosquito's saliva enter the person's bloodstream and travel to the liver. There, they multiply and eventually enter the red blood cells, where they continue to multiply and cause the symptoms of malaria. When the infected red blood cells burst, the parasites are released and enter new red blood cells, continuing the cycle.
Symptoms of malaria can include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death. Malaria can be diagnosed through a blood test and can be treated with medications, although resistance to some of these medications is a growing concern.
Prevention of malaria includes the use of mosquito nets, insect repellents, and medications that prevent the parasites from multiplying in the liver. In addition, efforts to control the mosquito population, such as the use of insecticides and the elimination of breeding sites, can help reduce the transmission of the disease.
In conclusion, the causative organism of malaria is the Plasmodium parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can cause severe illness and even death if left untreated, but it can be prevented and treated with proper measures.
Malaria: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Regular monitoring of drug efficacy is needed to inform treatment policies in malaria-endemic countries, and to ensure early detection of, and response to, drug resistance. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis. You will need to take the drugs before, during and after your stay. If parasite-filled blood cells block small blood vessels to your brain cerebral malaria , swelling of your brain or brain damage may occur. The right medication and correct dose can treat malaria and clear the infection from your body. Do not use a spray directly on your face. Preventive medicine If you'll be traveling to a location where malaria is common, talk to your doctor a few months ahead of time about whether you should take drugs before, during and after your trip to help protect you from malaria parasites.
Malaria
Malaria signs and symptoms typically begin within a few weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Diagnosis and Tests How is malaria diagnosed? Researchers are continuing to develop and study malaria vaccines to prevent infection. When a mosquito bites someone who has malaria, the mosquito becomes infected. Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. A person may die of the disease because the sludging blocks blood vessels to organs, such as the lungs opens in new tab , brain or kidneys, causing damage, he said. Your provider will take a sample of your blood and send it to a lab to see if you have malaria parasites. However, in many developing countries, malaria is a leading cause of death and disease, where children under age 5 and pregnant women are the hardest hit groups.
Types of Malaria Parasites
Each year nearly 290 million people are infected with malaria, and more than 400,000 people die of the disease. Clinical Trials Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. Diagnosis The diagnosis of malaria can be delayed because the initial symptoms are often so vague and general that flu seems more likely than a parasitic infection. Spray pyrethrin, an insecticide, on clothing. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future. Multiple pages were reviewed for this article.
