Clinical Background
Malaria is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium spp and is transmitted by infected mosquitos.
Epidemiology
- Incidence
- Worldwide distribution in tropical areas; more than 500 million cases reported every year
- Transmission
- Vector is the Anopheles mosquito
Organism
- Protozoan species that cause most malarial infections in humans include:
- P. vivax
- P. falciparum (~80% of cases)
- P. ovale
- P. malariae
Pathophysiology
- Accumulation and sequestration of parasite-infected red blood cells in various organs, such as the heart, brain, lungs and kidneys, create characteristic features of the disease
Clinical Presentation
- May be nonspecific - malaise, fever, myalgias
- Progresses to splenomegaly, anemia, jaundice
- Severe infection, usually from P.falciparum species, may cause:
- Cerebral encephalopathy
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypotension
- Liver dysfunction
- Renal failure
- Liver dysfunction
- Chronic malaria can be seen with P. vivax and P. ovale
Treatment
- Prophylaxis for endemic countries is usually successful if:
- Appropriate drugs are selected for area visited
- Patient is compliant
Prevention
- Personal protection measures that are helpful
- Use DEET
- Avoid mosquito feeding times for outdoor activities
- Wear appropriate clothing for protection from mosquito bites
- Prophylaxis for endemic countries is usually successful if:
See Also
