Malaria Flashcards
def
parasitic infection caused by protozoa: plasmodium
how many forms of plasmodium are there
5
what is the most life threatening form of plasmodium
plasmodium falciparum
how is malaria transmitted
female anophelos mosquito
rarely blood or organ transplant
where is malaria common
africa
who is most susceptible to malaria
children and pregnant women
what causes malaria
protozoa from genus plasmodium
what are the 5 forms of plasmodium in malaria
p falciparum (worst) p vivax p ovale p malariae p knowlesi
which are the most common forms of plasmodium
p falciparum
p vivax
where is p falciparum commonly found
africa
where is p vivax commonly found
asia
where does plasmodium go after entering the blood stream
hepatocytes
aetiology
female anopheles mosquito injects malaria sporozoites which enter hepatocytes
reproduction by asexual fission occurs which creates thousands of merozoites which enter the blood and causes rupture of RBCs releasing toxins
toxins induce release of cytokines from macrophages causing symptoms of malaria
risk factors
travel to endemic area (africa or asia)
inadequate chemoprophylaxis
pregnant women or children
features of malaria
Hx with risk factors for malaria (travel to endemic area, inadequate prophylaxis, non insecticide treated bed)
Hx of risk factors for severe disease (immunosuppression, pregnant, child)
fever is very common
additionally non-specific symptoms such as headache, weakness, myalgia, arthalgia, loss of appetite, diarrhoea
