What is the positive agent of malaria?
BACKGROUND. CAUSATIVE AGENTS. Malaria is caused by single-celled protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Four species infect humans by entering the bloodstream: Plasmodium falciparum, which is the main cause of severe clinical malaria and death; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium ovale; and Plasmodium malariae.
Why is malaria still a problem?
Scarce resources and socio-economic instability have hindered efficient malaria control activities. In other areas of the world, malaria is a less prominent cause of deaths, but can cause substantial disease and incapacitation, especially in some countries in South America and South Asia.
Why is malaria so important?
Malaria is one of the most important public health problems worldwide. It is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries, where young children and pregnant women are most affected. As of 2004, 107 countries and territories have reported malaria transmission.
What can you take to prevent malaria?
When several different drugs are recommended for an area, the following table might help in the decision process.
- Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)
- Chloroquine.
- Doxycycline.
- Mefloquine.
- Primaquine.
- Tafenoquine (ArakodaTM)
What are some of the side effects of malaria?
This process of reproduction and destroying red blood cells results in a build-up of toxins and debris in the blood; the resultant immune reaction produces side effects which are the common observable symptoms of malaria, such as fever, chills, nausea and aches.
What happens to red blood cells when you get malaria?
Anemia. Malaria may result in not having enough red blood cells for an adequate supply of oxygen to your body’s tissues (anemia).
Why do I feel like I have cerebral malaria?
Cerebral malaria may also occur if infected blood cells block the blood vessels to the brain 2. Cerebral malaria may lead to swelling of the brain and brain damage 2.
How does malaria affect the heart and kidneys?
Malaria may affect heart muscle and cause heart failure. In some severe types of malaria called Black Water Fever, the breaking up of red blood cells of blood may lead to kidney failure resulting from hemoglobin deposition in the kidneys.
What are the Common side effects of malaria?
Common side effects of malaria are high fever, chills, headache, and other flu-like symptoms. Severe illness and death can normally be avoided if the disease is properly treated.
How are blood tests used to diagnose malaria?
In the event that the person does have a positive malaria test, these additional tests will be useful in determining whether the patient has uncomplicated or severe manifestations of the malaria infection. Specifically, these tests can detect severe anemia, hypoglycemia, renal failure, hyperbilirubinemia, and acid-base disturbances.
How does malaria affect the brain in children?
A review published by Holding et al in 2001 on the same topic concluded that malaria infections (especially severe and cerebral malaria) have a lasting effect on cognition, behaviour and performance in children [3].
Is there a’hidden’burden of malaria?
There exists an important hidden burden of malaria, namely, that of cognitive impairment and effects on school performance resulting from malaria infection in children. This effect could be postulated to have a long-lasting impact on patients’ lives preventing them from achieving their full potential.