Anti-Malaria Agents / Antiprotozoal Agents Flashcards
What is Amebiasis?
Intestinal infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Which is typically transmitted through contaminated food and water have signs and symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and in severe cases liver abscesses which is all Amoebic dysentery s&s.
What is Anopheles mosquito?
A type of mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria parasite to humans through its bite. Essential to the life cycle of Plasmodium.
What is Cinchonism?
A toxic side effect such as ringing in the ears. nausea, vertigo and HA caused by the use of quinine or related drugs used to treat malaria.
What is Giardiasis?
Intestinal infection caused by the protozoan Giardia lamblia , which leads to symptoms like diarrhea, cramps and nausea. Typically transmitted through contaminated water.
What is Leishmaniasis?
Parasitic infection caused by Leishmania species and is transmitted by sand flies, This infection may cause skin sores, mucosal damage and visceral organ involvement.
What is Malaria?
Infectious disease caused by the Plasmodium parasites and in transmitted through the bites of infected anopheles mosquitoes. The infection makes red blood cells rupture from the parasites and causes cyclic fever, chills and damage to the liver, CNS, heart and lungs.
What is Plasmodium?
A genus of parasitic protozoa that causes malaria in humans through the transmission of its spores by anopheles mosquitoes.
What is Protozoa?
Single celled microorganisms that have at least one stage of their life as a human parasite. Can cause diseases such as Malaria, Giardiasis and Trichinosis. Usually found in areas with poor sanitation or crowded living conditions.
What is Trichomoniasis?
Sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. symptoms : vaginal discharge, itching and discomfort. Symptoms only experienced by females and may cause preterm labor in pregnancy.
What is Trophozoite?
Active motile and feeding stage of certain protozoan parasites and is responsible for causing infections such as Giardiasis and Amebiasis.
What is Trypanisomiasis?
Also known as sleeping sickness and Chagas disease is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma species. It is transmitted by the tsetse fly. Its characterized by fever, fatigue and neurological symptoms. Chagas disease also causes cardiomyopathy.
What are causes of Protozoal Infections (how does humans get infected) ?
●Insect Bites leading to :
○Malaria
○Trypanosomiasis
○Leishmaniasis
●Ingestion or Contact with
the Causal Organism leading to :
○Amebiasis
○Giardiasis
○Trichomoniasis
Where in the world are people most likely to get an protozoal infection?
In tropical areas of the world.
What are 2 risk factors for Protozoal Infections?
- Unsanitary and crowded conditions
- Poor Hygiene practices
How is a person most likely to contract Malaria?
Through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, which transmits the Plasmodium parasite.
How is a person most likely to contract Trypanosomiasis ?
Through the bite of an infected Tsetse fly which then transmits the Trypanosoma parasite.
How is Leishmaniasis most commonly contracted?
Through the bite of an infected sandfly which transmits the Leishmania parasite.
How is Amebiasis most commonly contracted?
By ingesting food or water contaminated with Entamoeba histolytica.
How is Giardiasis most commonly contracted?
ingesting contaminated water or food containing the parasite Giardia.
How is Trichomoniasis most commonly contracted?
Through sexual contact with and infected partner which carries the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
How come protozoal parasites thrives in refugee camps?
Due to being crowded areas where it is difficult to keep water sanitary and have poor waste disposal. Giardia is common due to fecal matter in these areas may easily contaminate water supply.
What may happen if a person does not wash their hands after using the rest room?
There is a possibility of coming into contact with your own or other peoples feces when using bathrooms and not washing hands prior to eating may lead to ingestion of giardia which can cause an infection. Preparing food without hand washing can also have the same effect.
What are the protozoal parasites which are identified causes of Malaria disease?
All start with Plasmodium.
●Plasmodium falciparum
○Considered the most dangerous type of protozoan- fever, hypertension, decrease in RBC’s & death.
●Plasmodium vivax
○Milder form of the disease; seldom results in death
●Plasmodium malaria
○Endemic in tropical countries; mild symptoms in local population but more severe in tourists and travelers.
●Plasmodium ovale
○Caused by two different species, both most prevalent in Africa;
mosquito has developed resistance to insecticides
What are the s&s associated with Malaria disease?
Signs and symptoms are related to the destruction of red blood cells and toxicity to the liver.
What are two specific reasons as to why there’s been an increase in Malaria cases?
The mosquitoes has developed a resistance to insecticides.
The Protozoa have become resistant to the antimalaria treatment.
How does the Malaria disease progress once the Protozoa is inside the body of a human?
They will infect human cells (mostly red blood cells) , and after reaching certain stages in its lifecycle the human cells will burst. The rupturing of the RBC’s will trigger a severe acute inflammatory response in the body and at this point the cyclic fever and chills will begin which may last for yrs.
What is the reason the fever and chills of malaria may last for years if untreated?
Because the protozoa may go into dormant stages and hide in the cells and become active again through different times.
What is another dangerous thing that may happen when the RBC’s rupture due to protozoa infecting them?
Large amounts of RBC rupturing may also lead to clogged capillaries which will decrease circulation to vital organs and may therefore lead to death.
