MALARIA
Malaria is a life-threatening vector-borne disease worldwide caused by the parasite female Anopheles mosquito bite that is transmitted to humans. It is mostly found in tropical countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, and does not spread from person to person, it can be preventable and treatable.
It is caused by four protozoa of the genus Plasmodium which are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale.
The parasites first complete their life cycle in hepatocytes and then they enter into the blood circulation (red blood cells) for replication.
Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria deaths, the incubation period of p. falciparum is 13 days its infection can cause massive hemolysis and obstruct microcirculation which leads to hypoxia of vital organs and splenomegaly.
Symptoms
Symptoms included typically include fever, fatigue, rigors, myalgia, vomiting, and headaches. Sometimes in severe cases, it causes jaundice, coma, or death.
Symptoms usually appear as early as 7 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. It can reoccurrence after 1 month if not treated properly.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis by microscopic examination of blood film
- To identify the parasites on thick and thin smears.
- Rapid antigen diagnostic kit
- The gold standard for malaria diagnosis is Giemsa-stained blood with a light microscope.
- Malaria should be strongly considered if any person exhibits fever who recently traveled to a tropical country.
Prevention For prevention using Bed nets, protective clothing, and insecticides are effective.
Using Chemoprophylaxis for travelers to endemic regions.
Management
IV quinine remains a common treatment
Artemisinin combination therapy for severe disease is now available.