Malaria Case Study Flashcards
What causes malaria
Protoctistan
Transmitted by female anopheles mosquito
How does the malaria infection occur
The anopheles female mosquito pushes the proboscis through the skin for blood
Injects anti-coagulant and transfers sporozoites
The sporozoites make they way to liver cells and attach to them and enter the cell within 30 mins
Once inside sporozoites will produce merozoites
2 weeks later infected liver cells will rupture releasing merozoites which will then enter RBC via endocytosis
After 3 days RBC will rupture. This intiates a fever
Some merozoites will go and enter more RBC whilst others will turn into their gamete form
Symptoms of malaria
Cold stage for 20 -60 mins. Includes chills and shaking
Hot fever after 3-8 hrs. Temp will be between 40-41.7 degrees
Hot and cold stage alternate for 2/3 weeks
Complications of malaria
Anaemia
Cerebral malaria
Capillaries in the brain can become blocked by the parasite
Lack of oxygen confusion and coma
High mortality
What other ways can malaria be transmitted
Unhygienic medical practices :
Pregnancy
Blood transfusion
Prevention of malaria
Insecticide treated nets
Indoor residual spray
Insect repellent with DEET
IPTIP (pregnancy)
How would you diagnose malaria
Blood smear that’s stained with Giesma
Rapid diagnostic test. This may stain parasite dna or detect its antigens
PCR
Malaria Treatment
Artemisinin combination therapies/ACT
Preventative drugs
Vaccination against malaria
Inactivated or killed parasite in vaccine
However there are no licesenced vaccines against malaria because :
- there are several species causing the disease
- complicated life cycles makes identifying target difficult
