Malaria Flashcards
What is Malaria?
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites from the Plasmodium family, primarily spread by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes.
What is the most severe form of Malaria?
The most severe and dangerous form is Plasmodium falciparum, which accounts for about 80% of malaria cases in the UK.
How is Malaria transmitted?
Malaria is transmitted by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes, typically during the night.
What are the different types of Plasmodium that cause Malaria?
Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium knowlesi.
What is the life cycle of Malaria?
A female mosquito bites and injects sporozoites into the human. Sporozoites travel to the liver where they mature into merozoites. Merozoites infect red blood cells. The red blood cells rupture, releasing more merozoites, causing haemolytic anaemia and fever.
What is the characteristic fever pattern in malaria caused by different Plasmodium species?
P. vivax and P. ovale: Fever every 48 hours (tertiary malaria). P. falciparum: Irregular fever spikes. P. malariae: Fever every 72 hours (quartan malaria).
What are the symptoms of Malaria?
High fever (up to 41ºC) with chills, fatigue, muscle aches (myalgia), headache, nausea and vomiting.
What are the signs of Malaria on examination?
Pallor (due to anaemia), hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen), jaundice (from the breakdown of red blood cells).
How is Malaria diagnosed?
Malaria is diagnosed with a malaria blood film that shows the parasites and the type. A minimum of three negative samples taken over three consecutive days is needed to exclude malaria.
What is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria?
Artemether with lumefantrine (Riamet) is the usual first choice for uncomplicated malaria.
What is the treatment for severe or complicated malaria?
Intravenous treatment options for severe malaria include: Artesunate (first choice), Quinine dihydrochloride.
What are some complications of Plasmodium falciparum malaria?
Cerebral malaria, seizures, acute kidney injury, pulmonary oedema, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), multi-organ failure and death.
What is the recommended prophylaxis for Malaria in endemic areas?
Preventive measures include: Using mosquito spray (e.g., 50% DEET), sleeping under mosquito nets, taking antimalarial medication as prescribed.
What are the common antimalarial medications for prophylaxis?
Proguanil with atovaquone (Malarone), Doxycycline, Mefloquine (has psychiatric side effects), Chloroquine (less often used due to resistance).
What is the most common and recommended antimalarial for prophylaxis?
Proguanil with atovaquone (Malarone) is often recommended for its minimal side effects.
What are the side effects of Doxycycline for malaria prophylaxis?
Doxycycline can cause: Diarrhoea, thrush, skin sensitivity to sunlight (increased risk of sunburn).
What are the side effects of Mefloquine for malaria prophylaxis?
Mefloquine may cause psychiatric side effects such as: Anxiety, depression, abnormal dreams, rarely, psychosis or seizures.
