Management of Malaria (Rachel Elliot) Flashcards
Where is malaria found?
Large areas of Africa and Asia Central and South America Haiti and Dominican Republic parts of the Middle East some Pacific Islands
What are the factors that expose travellers to Malaria?
The optimum temperatures of 20º - 30º C and high humidity. Transmission does not normally occur with temperates below 16ºC
Parasite maturation in the mosquito usually cannot take place > 2000m above sea level
Seasonal rainfall in creases mosquito breeding and in some places malaria is highly seasonal
Rural v urban location
Backpackers staying in cheap accommodation have a higher risk of being bitten compared to tourists staying in air conditioned hotels
Being outdoors between dusk and dawn when Anopheles mosquitos bite risk increases
What is the ABCD approach to prevention of malaria?
Awareness of the risk; travel information
Bite prevention - insect repellant, covering arms and legs and using an insecticide treated mosquito net
Check whether you need to take prevention tablets; check you get the right tablets, correct dose and whole course
Diagnosis - seek immediate medical advice if you develop malaria symptoms including up to a year after you have travelled.
How can patients prevent bites?
Stay somewhere with air conditioning, screened windows and doors and make sure they close properly or sleep under an intact mosquito net that has been treated with insecticide.
Use insect repellant on skin and in sleeping environments, re-apply frequently.
DEET is most effective repellent bit not for babies < 2 months old
Wear light fitting clothes and long sleeves
Do herbal products offer protection?
No evidence to suggest that homeopathic remedies, electric buzzers, vit B1 or B12, garlic, yeast, extract spread, tree oils or bath oils offer any protection.
What determines the choice of drug for malarial chemoprophylaxis?
Destination Medical history, allergies Current medication Any previous problems with anti-malarials Age Pregnancy
What does casual malarial prophylaxis target?
The liver stage; takes 7 days to develop, continue for 7 days after leaving the malarial zone
What does suppressive prophylaxis do?
Targets the erythrocytic stage; continue for 4 weeks after leaving the malarious zone
What is hypnozoites prophylaxis?
P. vivax and P. ovale, no prophylactic drugs against these
Which strain of malaria is effectively chloroquine resistnat universally?
P. falciparum
Which strain of malaria has virtually no recorded treatment resistance?
P. ovale
Which treatment is P. malariae resistant to?
Chloroquine
What are the drugs included in Malarone?
Atovaquone plus proguanil
What are the indications for use of Malarone?
Prevents development of liver schizonts; casual prophylactic
Also works on erythrocytic phase so is used for treatment also
90% effective against P. falciparum and vivax
What are the side effects associated with Malarone?
Headache, GI upset, skin rash and mouth ulcers
What are the contraindications of Malarone?
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Renal impairment / problems
What is the active ingredient in Lariam?
Mefloquine
What are the indications for Lariam?
Suppressive prophylactic
90% effective against P. falciparum (some resistant in southeast Asia