malaria Flashcards
What is malaria?
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
What is the primary mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria?
The female Anopheles mosquito.
Name three risk factors of malaria.
Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women and children, travelers from non-endemic areas.
How does housing quality influence malaria risk?
Poor housing quality increases exposure to mosquito bites, raising malaria risk.
List the causative agents of malaria.
Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi.
What happens to the malaria parasite once it enters the human body?
Sporozoites enter the liver, multiply in hepatocytes, release merozoites, which then invade red blood cells, causing cycles of infection and symptoms.
What are the initial steps in the pathophysiology of malaria?
The mosquito injects sporozoites, which travel to the liver, invade hepatocytes, and begin replicating.
What happens to red blood cells (RBCs) infected by malaria parasites?
Merozoites multiply inside RBCs, causing them to burst and releasing more merozoites.
How does malaria infection cause anemia?
The bursting of infected RBCs leads to anemia and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.
Why can malaria cause organ dysfunction?
Severe malaria infections can lead to blocked blood vessels, causing inflammation and damage to vital organs.
Why does malaria relapse occur?
Some malaria parasites hide in the liver, causing recurrent infections.
What are common signs and symptoms of malaria?
Fever, chills, general discomfort, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, rapid breathing, and heart rate.
Name three complications of malaria.
Cerebral malaria, breathing problems, and organ failure.
What is “blackwater fever,” and how is it related to malaria?
Blackwater fever is a complication of malaria characterized by dark urine, usually due to massive hemolysis (RBC destruction).
How does malaria affect blood sugar levels?
Malaria can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as a complication.
Describe the microscopy diagnostic procedure for malaria.
A stained thick or thin blood smear is examined under a microscope to detect malaria parasites.
What is the purpose of a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) in malaria diagnosis?
RDT detects specific malaria antigens in a person’s blood, indicating infection through specific bands on the test card window.
What is the IFA test used for in malaria diagnosis?
The IFA test detects species-specific malaria antibodies, forming an antigen-antibody complex that fluoresces, confirming the presence of malaria.
What supportive management is used for malaria?
Counseling and follow-up, antipyretics for fever, antiemetics for vomiting, intubation for cerebral malaria, blood transfusions for severe anemia, and renal replacement therapy.
What are the recommended medications to reduce fever in malaria patients?
Antipyretics like ibuprofen.
What supportive care might be required for a malaria patient with a coma?
Intubation and intensive care support for cerebral malaria.
What are the core strategies for malaria prevention?
Raising awareness, vector control, vaccination, using LLINs, IRS, treating fabric with permethrin, and wearing protective clothing.
Describe the RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) vaccine schedule.
It’s administered as a 4-dose IM injection for children aged 6 to 24 months, reducing malaria morbidity and mortality.
What is the MVIP by WHO?
Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme, aimed at increasing access to malaria vaccination.
How does malaria control address epidemics?
Through prompt diagnosis, early treatment, surveillance, and chemoprophylaxis for high-risk groups.
Why is chemoprophylaxis recommended for travelers and pregnant women?
It provides preventive protection against malaria for high-risk groups.
What is the role of permethrin in malaria prevention?
Permethrin-treated fabrics repel mosquitoes, reducing the risk of malaria.
What are LLINs, and how do they help prevent malaria?
Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) prevent mosquito bites, reducing malaria transmission.
How does the WHO’s malaria control strategy address invasive mosquito species?
Through tailored surveillance and control measures for invasive species.
What does WHO recommend for early malaria treatment?
Prompt diagnosis and compliance with prescribed treatment to manage and reduce malaria spread.
What is WHO’s 2023 malaria theme?
“Time to deliver zero malaria: Invest, Innovate, Implement.
