𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞
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▪️Introduction

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.




▪️ Types of Malaria Parasites

There are five major species of Plasmodium that infect humans:

1. Plasmodium falciparum:

• Causes severe malaria.

• Responsible for most malaria-related deaths worldwide.



2. Plasmodium vivax:

• Can cause recurrent malaria due to dormant liver stages (hypnozoites).

• Found in Asia and Latin America.



3. Plasmodium ovale:

• Causes mild and relapsing malaria.

• Less common and mostly found in Africa.



4. Plasmodium malariae:

• Causes chronic infections that can last for years.

• Found in sub-Saharan Africa and some parts of Asia.



5. Plasmodium knowlesi:

• Zoonotic species found in Southeast Asia.

• Can lead to severe infections.







▪️ Life Cycle of Malaria Parasite

1. Sporozoite Stage:

• The parasite is injected into the human bloodstream by the mosquito.

• Sporozoites travel to the liver and infect hepatocytes.



2. Liver Stage:

• The sporozoites multiply and form merozoites.

• Some species (P. vivax and P. ovale) form dormant stages called hypnozoites.



3. Erythrocytic Stage:

• Merozoites are released into the bloodstream and invade red blood cells (RBCs).

• Inside RBCs, parasites develop into trophozoites, mature into schizonts, and release more merozoites upon RBC rupture.

• This cycle causes fever and chills.



4. Gametocyte Stage:

• Some parasites develop into male and female gametocytes.

• Gametocytes are ingested by mosquitoes during a blood meal.



5. Mosquito Stage:

• In the mosquito gut, gametocytes form zygotes, which develop into ookinetes and then oocysts.

• Sporozoites are released from oocysts and migrate to the mosquito's salivary glands, completing the cycle.







▪️ Symptoms of Malaria

• High fever

• Chills and sweating

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Muscle and joint pain

• Fatigue

• Severe cases: Cerebral malaria, anemia, organ failure





▪️Diagnosis 

1. Microscopic Examination:

Giemsa-stained blood smears to detect parasites.

• Thick smear: To detect parasites.

• Thin smear: To identify the species.



2. Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs):

Detect antigens derived from Plasmodium.



3. Molecular Methods:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for species identification.







▪️ Treatment

•Uncomplicated Malaria:

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).

• For P. vivax and P. ovale: Primaquine to eliminate liver stages.


• Severe Malaria:

Intravenous artesunate or quinine, followed by oral ACT.




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▪️Prevention

1. Mosquito Control:

• Use insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).

• Indoor residual spraying (IRS).



2. Chemoprophylaxis:

• Prophylactic antimalarial drugs for travelers to endemic regions.



3. Vaccination:

• RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine is available for P. falciparum malaria.



4. Personal Protection:

• Wear protective clothing.

• Use mosquito repellents.


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Incubation period ⏱️

Normal Range for Some tests