Malaria
What is Malaria
some of the human diseases are caused by protozoans too. You might have heard about malaria, a disease man has been fighting for many years. Plasmodium a tiny protozoan is responsible for this disease.
Causal organism
What causes malaria
Different species of plasmodium [ P.vivax, P.malaria and P.falciparum] are responsible for different types of malaria. of this, malignant malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious one and can even be fatal.
Mode of transmission
Anopheles mosquito bitting
Life cycle of Plasmodium
Plasmodium enters the human body as sporozoites [infectious form] through the bite of an infected female Anopheles Mosquito.
The parasites initially multiply within the liver cell and then attack the RBC[red blood cell] resulting in their rupture.
The rupture of RBCs is associated with the release of a toxic substance, haemozoin.
When a female Anopheles mosquito bites an infected person these parasites enter the mosquito’s body and undergo further development. The parasites multiply within them to form sporozoites that are stored in their salivary gland.
When these mosquitoes bite a human, the sporozoites are introduced into his/her body, thereby initiating the events mentioned above.
It is interesting to Not that the malarial parasite requires two hosts-human and mosquitoes. The female Anopheles mosquito is the vector transmitting agent too.
Complete life cycle
Human Host
When the mosquito bites other human sporozoites are injected with bite.
Parasites (sporozoites )reach the liver through blood.
The parasite in liver cells bursts the cells and releases them into the blood.
Parasites reproduced asexually in red blood cells bursting the red blood cells and causing cycles of fever and other symptoms. released parasites infect new RBCs.
(Male or Female) sexual stages gametocytes develop in red blood cells.
Mosquito Host
Female mosquito takes up gametocytes with blood meal.
Fertilization and development take place in the mosquito’s gut.
Mature infective stages (sporozoites), escape from the gut and migrate to the mosquito salivary glands.
Symptoms
Release of Haemozoin causes chill and high fever recurring every 3 to 4 days of malaria.
Management and treatment
How is malaria Treated
The treatment of malaria typically involves the use of antimalarial medications.
The specific medication and duration of treatment depend on factors such as the type of malaria parasite causing the infection.
Some drugs are given in combination with other drugs.
Antimalarial Drugs: The most commonly used drugs for treating malaria. The best treatment for plasmodium falciparum malaria, if available is artemisinin combination therapy.
A Tovaquone
Quinine
Primaquine etc.
Medication can cure your Malaria