MALARIA [ MALARIAL FEVER]
MALARIAL FEVER
Introduction
Malaria is a disease caused by the Plasmodium protozoan
parasite that affects humans and other primates. Malaria parasites are
transmitted to humans by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. The
infection is characterized by prolonged fever, severe headaches, chills,
fatigue and weakness, nausea, and vomiting.
WHAT IS MALARIA?
Malaria is a mosquito-borne illness that causes fever and
flu-like symptoms. It is caused by a parasite that is transmitted to humans
through the bite of an infected mosquito. It's most common in tropical and
subtropical regions, but can be found anywhere there are mosquitoes.
In addition to being transmitted by mosquitoes, malaria can
also occur from contaminated water or food (such as eating raw fish).
CAUSES/TRANSMISSION
Infection with parasites from
the genus Plasmodium results in malaria. Six Plasmodium species, including
-P. falciparum
- P. malariae
-P. ovale curtisi
-P. ovale wallikeri
- P. vivax
- P. knowlesi,
are responsible for malaria in humans. P.
vivax (20%) and P. falciparum (75%) are the two most frequent species found in
patients with the infection. Although P. falciparum has historically been the
primary cause of mortality, recent research indicates that P. vivax malaria is
roughly equally as frequently linked to a diagnosis of P. falciparum infection.
Outside of Africa, P. vivax is proportionally more widespread. Several species
of Plasmodium from higher apes have been identified in human infectionexceptexception
of P. knowlesi, a zoonotic species that causes malaria in macaques, these
illnesses are mostly of low public concern.
Mosquito bites are the primary source of malaria. When
you're bitten by a mosquito, the Plasmodium parasite passes from your blood to
its mouthparts and then into the mosquito's gut. The insect then passes it onto
another human when it bites them. This chain continues until someone is
infected with malaria — or until they've been exposed enough times to build up
antibodies that prevent infection for long periods (usually around three
years).
LIFE CYCLE OF MALARIA:
The parasite that causes malaria is a sporozoite that moves
about. The female Anopheles mosquito, which serves as the disease's vector,
ingests hosts with malarial sporozoites. The sporozoites are introduced into
the blood by the saliva of the infected mosquito when it bites a human.
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FIG: LIFE CYCLE OF MALARIA
Sporozoites enter our bodies and gather in the liver. By
harming the liver and rupturing the body's blood cells, these parasites at
first grow inside the liver. Red blood cells in the host are destroyed by
malaria, which results in death. In the RBCs, the parasites divide asexually,
burst the cells, and release other parasites to infect additional cells. The
malaria parasite causes the red blood cells in the body to burst, releasing a
toxin called hemozoin that gives people the chills.
The parasites enter the female Anopheles mosquito's body
along with the human blood it is consuming when it bites an infected person.
The actual growth and maturation of the parasite take place inside the
mosquito's body. The mosquito's intestine becomes infected with the parasites
produced in humans, and the male and female mosquito cells fertilize one
another to create sporozoites. The sporozoite leaves the mosquito's intestine
after maturing and moves to the salivary glands. Once they get to salivary
glands, they wait until a different person is bitten by the mosquito so that
the infection and disease process can start afresh.
Other types of transmission:
-through blood transfusions
-sharing drug-injecting needles
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms of malaria include
-fever and chills
- headache
-muscle pain or tenderness
- nausea, and vomiting.
Diarrhea is another
common symptom associated with malaria infection.
Malaria sufferers can have recurrent "attacks."
Typically, an attack begins with chills and shivering, then a high fever,
followed by perspiration and a return to normal body temperature.
Typically, a few weeks after being bitten by an infected
insect, malaria signs and symptoms appear. Some malaria parasite strains,
however, can slumber in your bloodstream for up to a year.
Risk factors:
Those who are more likely to get a serious illness include:
-older people
-travelers from regions free of malaria
-Women who are pregnant and their unborn children
Complications
Particularly when brought on by the plasmodium species that
is prevalent in Africa, malaria can be lethal. According to the World Health
Organization, 94% of all malaria-related deaths are thought to take place in
Africa, most frequently in children under the age of 5.
Deaths from malaria are typically caused by one or more
major side effects, such as:
-
Cerebral malaria:
Brain swelling or injury could result from
blood cells with parasites inside that obstruct small blood arteries to the
brain (cerebral malaria). Seizures and comas could result from cerebral
malaria.
-
breathing issues:
Breathing might be challenging if
you have pulmonary edema, which is a buildup of fluid in your lungs.
-
organ failure:
Malaria can harm the liver, kidneys, or
spleen, or even rupture them. Any one of these ailments has the potential to be
fatal.
-
Anemia.
Malaria may prevent you from producing enough
red blood cells to ensure your body's tissues receive a proper amount of oxygen
(anemia).
-
low sugar levels:
Quinine, a common malaria
treatment drug, as well as severe forms of the disease, can both result in low
blood sugar (hypoglycemia). A coma or death may arise from extremely low blood
sugar.
DIAGNOSIS
● You'll
be asked to take a blood sample.
● The
parasites can be identified by examining the blood or looking at the parasite
under a microscope.
● Antibodies
will be measured in your blood to confirm the diagnosis of malaria.
TREATMENT/MANAGEMENT
There are several steps that you can take to help prevent
malaria:
● Take
antimalarial drugs.
● Rest.
● Drink
plenty of fluids, including water and fruit juice, to replace lost salt and
minerals (sodium). In addition, avoid alcohol and caffeine during the first few
days after travel because these substances can increase your risk for severe
dehydration.
● Do
not take aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil®) unless directed by your doctor because
they may interfere with medications used to treat malaria symptoms such as
nausea and vomiting; headache; chills/sweats; fever/body temperature rising
rapidly while in bed rest position.* Do not drink alcohol while taking any kind
of medication because it could cause problems with drug absorption through the
body's gastrointestinal system.* If pregnant or breastfeeding*, do not take
antimalarial drugs while pregnant since they could harm an unborn baby or unborn
fetus’ development at any stage during pregnancy.*
SELF CARE
● Use
repellent. Using a repellent is the best way to protect yourself against
mosquito bites. Mosquito coils and candles are other options, but they can be
messy and smoky, so many prefer insect repellents instead.*
● Wear
long sleeves and long pants when outside at dusk or dawn.*
● Drink
bottled water when outdoors.*
● Wash
your hands frequently during the day, especially before meals and after using
public bathrooms (where more than one person may have been bitten).
Vaccine
Children who reside in
nations with a high prevalence of malaria cases are advised to utilize a
malaria vaccination, according to the World Health Organization.
When to see a doctor:
Conclusion
We have discussed the symptoms of malaria, its causes, and
its transmission. We also know how to diagnose the disease and treat it with
medication. It is important that you remain vigilant about your health so that
you can prevent future cases of Malaria
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