Malaria Flashcards

1
Q

Explain the lifecycle of malaria

A

Malaria is a blood parasite with an entirely intracellular existence

  • Vector is the female Anopheles mosquito.Takes blood meal with parasite in her salvia.
    • P. vivax/ovale remain dormant in the liver. Exo-erythrocytic phase (hepatic phase) explains relapses
    • Mulitply in RBC’s leading to anemia
  • Treat both liver and blood forms.
  • can cause hypoglycemia = malaria consumes sugar in blood
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How many species of malaria are there?

A

> 100 species of malaria

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Which species of malaria is the bad one?

A

P. falciparum is the BAD ONE

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is THE MOST IMPORTANT parasitic disease?

A

malaria

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the usual clinical manifestations of malaria?

A

Fever (most commonly), anemia, splenomegaly – all non-specific

*take travel hx!

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the UNusual clinical manifestations of malaria?

A
  • CNS manifestation in P. falciparum – seizures, coma, renal failure, and death.
  • Nephrotic syndrome with P. malariae
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are the special clinical considerations of P. falciparum?

A
  • Medical emergency
  • causes sticky blood cells = poor profusion
  • Can die w/in 24 hrs, despite good care
    • seizures, renal failure, ARDS, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), severe anemia, hypoglycemia, hypotensive shock
  • Increased fetal/maternal mortality
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Approximately how many are infected with malaria annually?

A

300-500 million to 1 billion infected annually
*most important of parasitic disease.
Huge economic effect b/c adults & children can develop chronic anemia (cannot learn or work well).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Approximately how many people die from malaria each year?

A

1-3 million / year, mostly children

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What countries are most affected by malaria?

A

Sub-Saharan Africa

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How many cases of malaria occur in the US each year?

A

1200-1400 cases per year in US

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How do you diagnose malaria?

A
  • TAKE TRAVEL HISTORY in acute febrile illness of unknown et
  • Always r/o malaria febrile patient with international travel to risk area
  • thick and thin malaria blood smears - is malaria present (thick) what species (thin, %)
    • % of parasites high = bad news
  • ask for head of lab to run tests (need expertise)
  • Sometimes PCR
  • Serum not practical - mostly retrospective dx for CDC’s purposes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How might anti-malarial meds affect incubation?

A

Antimalarial meds can prolong incubation periods. Time frame(s) for incubation should not rule this out as a diagnosis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the standard incubation period for

P. falciparum?

A

7-14 days, but can take longer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the standard incubation period for

P. vivax?

A

2-3 weeks or longer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the standard incubation period for

P. malariae?

A

More than 3 weeks.

17
Q

Explain how to treat malaria

A
  • Seek consultation from ID, who will consult CDC (24/7 hotline)
  • Generally treated with quinine sulfate
18
Q

How do you prevent malaria?

A
  • acquired immunity incomplete
  • Natural immunity with sickle cell and thalassemia. Lower mortality rates.
  • Poor complacence with anti-malarial meds = chemopophylaxis
  • repellant with DEET, long pants, long sorts, tuck pants into socks, etc.