PLASMODIUM_SPECIES[1] Flashcards
What are the common clinical findings of malaria?
Abrupt onset of fever and chills, headache, myalgias, arthralgias, splenomegaly, and anemia.
Fever can reach 41°C and is followed by drenching sweats. Patients typically feel well between febrile episodes.
Which Plasmodium species are considered the most common causes of malaria?
Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum.
P. ovale and P. malariae are less common.
What is the potential outcome of untreated malaria caused by P. falciparum?
Potentially life-threatening due to cerebral malaria and blackwater fever.
Malaria caused by other species is usually self-limited with low mortality.
What laboratory tests are used for diagnosing malaria?
Microscopic examination of blood using thick and thin Giemsa-stained smears, PCR, or ELISA.
Thick smear screens for organisms; thin smear identifies species.
What is the significance of identifying the species of Plasmodium in malaria treatment?
Treatment can differ based on the species identified.
Different species have varying resistance patterns and treatment protocols.
What are Schüffner’s dots?
Intracytoplasmic granules found in red cells infected by P. vivax and P. ovale.
They stain red using the Romanowsky stain.
What is the treatment for uncomplicated malaria caused by non-falciparum species?
Chloroquine.
Chloroquine targets merozoites but does not affect hypnozoites.
Which drugs are used for treating uncomplicated chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum infection?
Coartem (artemether plus lumefantrine) or Malarone (atovaquone and proguanil).
Severe cases may require intravenous artesunate or quinidine.
What preventive measures are recommended for travelers to malaria-endemic areas?
Chemoprophylaxis with mefloquine or doxycycline, and use of mosquito netting, window screens, protective clothing, and insect repellents.
Chloroquine should be taken 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after traveling to areas with non-resistant strains.
What is the life cycle phase in mosquitoes called in malaria?
Sporogony.
This phase produces sporozoites.
What is the asexual cycle of Plasmodium called that occurs in humans?
Schizogony.
This phase produces schizonts.
What is the role of merozoites in malaria pathogenesis?
Merozoites cause destruction of red blood cells and trigger the immune response.
This destruction leads to anemia and splenomegaly.
What distinguishes quartan malaria from tertian malaria?
Quartan malaria recurs every fourth day (P. malariae), while tertian malaria recurs every third day (P. vivax, P. ovale, P. falciparum).
Tertian malaria can be malignant (P. falciparum) or benign (P. vivax, P. ovale).
How is malaria primarily transmitted?
By mosquito bites, but also through placenta, blood transfusions, and intravenous drug use.
Female Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vectors.
What is the significance of hypnozoites in P. vivax and P. ovale infections?
They are latent forms in the liver that cause relapses.
Hypnozoites are not affected by chloroquine.
What are the regions most affected by malaria?
Tropical and subtropical areas, especially in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.
Certain regions in Southeast Asia, South America, and East Africa are particularly affected by chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum.
True or False: There is a vaccine available for malaria.
False.
Current preventive measures focus on chemoprophylaxis and mosquito control.
