Etiology:

Malaria is endemic throughout the tropical areas of the world and is acquired from the bite of the female nocturnal-feeding Anopheles mosquitoes.

The Plasmodium species infecting humans are P falciparum, P vivax, P ovale, and P malariae.

Life cycle:

In mosquito (sexual phase)

The Plasmodium species infecting humans are P falciparum, P vivax, P ovale, and P malariae.

In human (asexual phase, Schizogony)

The most severe disease is produced by P. falciparum. This species can parasitize red cells in every state of  development, resulting in a higher percentage of parasitemia. 

Plasmodium, vivax will parasitize only the larger  reticulocytes, leading to a lower degree of parasitemia. 

Epidemiology:

Malaria is endemic throughout the tropical areas of the world and is acquired from the bite of the female nocturnal-feeding Anopheles mosquitoes.

The risk of malaria is 

Transmission is possible in more temperate climates, including areas in the United States where Anopheles mosquitoes are present.

The spread of chloroquine-resistant P falciparum strains throughout the world is of increasing importance

Plasmodium vivax and P falciparum are the most common species worldwide. 

Their geographical distribution is -  

Clinical Manifestations:

 Complications include: 

Severe malaria is defined as a 

Diagnostic Tests:

Treatment:

The choice of malaria chemotherapy is based on the infecting species, possible drug resistance, and the severity of disease 

For patients with P falciparum malaria, sequential blood smears are indicated to monitor treatment. 


Control Measures:

What control measures are available to prevent its transmission?   

Prevention of Relapses.

Primaquine phosphate should be considered.