Malaria Flashcards
Explain the lifecycle of malaria
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 many species of malaria are there?
> 100 species of malaria
Which species of malaria is the bad one?
P. falciparum is the BAD ONE
What is THE MOST IMPORTANT parasitic disease?
malaria
What are the usual clinical manifestations of malaria?
Fever (most commonly), anemia, splenomegaly – all non-specific
*take travel hx!
What are the UNusual clinical manifestations of malaria?
- CNS manifestation in P. falciparum – seizures, coma, renal failure, and death.
- Nephrotic syndrome with P. malariae
What are the special clinical considerations of P. falciparum?
- 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
Approximately how many are infected with malaria annually?
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).
Approximately how many people die from malaria each year?
1-3 million / year, mostly children
What countries are most affected by malaria?
Sub-Saharan Africa
How many cases of malaria occur in the US each year?
1200-1400 cases per year in US
How do you diagnose malaria?
- 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 might anti-malarial meds affect incubation?
Antimalarial meds can prolong incubation periods. Time frame(s) for incubation should not rule this out as a diagnosis.
What is the standard incubation period for
P. falciparum?
7-14 days, but can take longer
What is the standard incubation period for
P. vivax?
2-3 weeks or longer