Malaria Flashcards
1
Q
Story? Malaria
A
Returned home from Sub Saharan Africa 2 days ago Dry cough Splenomegly Fever - 50% Headache Myalgia Pulmonary oedema Malaise GI problems Jaundice Loss of consciousness
2
Q
Pathogen? Malaria
A
Single cell Protozoa - parasite
3
Q
What are the 2 types of malaria pathogen and where are they found globally?
A
Falciparum - Africa
P. Vivax / ovale - Asia - can lie dormant for a year
4
Q
What is the incubation period for malaria?
A
Min 6 days
5
Q
Transmission? Malaria
A
Parasite in mosquito Enters human bloodstream Enters liver - destroys RBCs Back to bloodstream Infects new mosquito Life cycle continues
6
Q
Why is it hard to eradicate malaria?
A
Long life cycle - virus changes 8 times - if you target one stage e.g. In liver could be present elsewhere
Cultural - malaria normalised in developing countries
Economical - affects third world countries - often reliant on overseas aid for prevention
7
Q
How can malaria be prevented?
A
Repellent
Long clothing
Nets
Chemoprophylaxis - before travelling
8
Q
Investigations? Malaria
A
High bilirubin FBCs - WBCs/platelets, Low Hb and RBCs High eosinophils - parasites Blood smear - 3 positives needed before antibiotics given LFTs - AST and ALT
9
Q
Treatment? Malaria
A
Falciparum - Quinine
B.Vivax /ovale - Hypnozoites
