Malaria Infection and Pathology

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary mode of transmission for malaria?

Consumption of contaminated food and water

Vector-borne through insect bites (correct)

Inhalation of infected particles

Direct contact with infected individuals

Which demographic is most at risk for severe effects of malaria?

Young children and pregnant women (correct)

Teenagers and young adults

Healthy middle-aged adults

Elderly men and women

Which of the following statements correctly identifies an unusual mode of malaria transmission?

Transmission through blood transfusion (correct)

Malaria spread by sharing food with an infected individual

Transmission through contaminated stepping on mosquito larvae

Malaria transmitted via human-to-human contact

What is most likely to increase the incidence of malaria in endemic areas?

Suitable weather conditions such as rainy seasons Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about how malaria spreads?

It can be contracted from domestic animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the zygote formation in the lifecycle being discussed?

It produces both thin-walled and thick-walled oocysts. Signup and view all the answers

In immunocompromised individuals, what is the typical nature of the disease caused by the discussed pathogen?

Severe diarrhea with potential for bile duct infection. Signup and view all the answers

What common source of infection is highlighted for the discussed condition?

Swimming in contaminated recreational water. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes the sporozoite stage?

It is the infective stage that enters intestinal cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically observed in AIDS patients suffering from the discussed infection?

Progressively worse and potentially life-threatening diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers

What stage in the malaria life cycle is characterized by the arrangement of merozoites in a 'Maltese cross' formation?

Trophozoite Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following treatments is considered the drug of choice for malaria?

Clindamycin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT a diagnostic tool for malaria?

CT scan Signup and view all the answers

What major physiological response is typically associated with malaria infections?

Excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental precaution can help prevent tick-borne diseases such as malaria?

Tucking pants into socks Signup and view all the answers

In the context of malaria vectors, what role do ticks play?

They are involved in the transmission of Babesia Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows the ookinete formation in the malaria life cycle?

Sporozoite Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT commonly associated with malaria infection?

Rash Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Malaria

One of the three major infectious disease threats, along with HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis.
Cases increase during rainy seasons.
Primarily affects young children and pregnant women in endemic areas.

Sources of Exposure to Infection

Vector-borne (arthropod borne)
Other modes of transmission:
- Imported malaria: Individuals travel from countries with endemic malaria and spread the disease.
- Transfusion malaria: Infected blood donations.
- Mainline malaria: Sharing needles among drug users.

Morphology

Infective stage: Oocysts
Disease usually self-limiting

Pathology

Immunocompetent individuals experience self-limiting diarrhea within 2-3 weeks.
Immunocompromised individuals experience severe diarrhea, bile duct and gallbladder infections, blunted intestinal villi, malabsorption, and excessive fluid loss.
AIDS patients experience severe, life-threatening diarrhea that progressively worsens.

Sources of Infection

Faulty water purification systems
Swimming in contaminated recreational water

Babesiosis

Associated with excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Most cases are subclinical and self-limiting.
Symptoms: Headache, high-grade fever, chills, vomiting, myalgia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), hypotension, respiratory distress, and renal insufficiency.

Diagnosis

Microscopy of Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smear:
- Merozoites in a Maltese cross arrangement.
- Ring form, the most frequent intraerythrocytic form found.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): Gold standard.
Immunofluorescent assays (IFA).
Immunochromatographic test (ICT).
Hamster intraperitoneal inoculation.

Treatment

Drug of choice: Clindamycin
Drug combination: Clindamycin and Quinine or Azithromycin and Atovaquone.
Chloroquine: Former drug of choice, but only improves symptoms and not the degree of parasitemia.
Human babesiosis is not yet reported in the Philippines, but it is present in dogs (Babesia canis).

Prevention and Control

Avoid places where ticks are usually found.
Wear light-colored pants tucked into socks.
Check for ticks (especially with children).
Control rodent populations.

Cryptosporidium

Each sporulated oocyst contains 4 sporozoites.
Similar to cryptosporidium and causes watery diarrhea.

Coccidian Parasites

Immature oocysts seen in the feces of patients contain two sporoblasts.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of malaria, including its prevalence, modes of transmission, and the effects on different populations. It focuses on the morphology of the malaria parasite and the pathology it causes in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Test your knowledge on this critical infectious disease threat.