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Questions and Answers
Which stage of Plasmodium species is primarily associated with the transmission of the malaria parasite?
Which stage of Plasmodium species is primarily associated with the transmission of the malaria parasite?
What is the recommended approach for radical cure in cases of Plasmodium vivax infection?
What is the recommended approach for radical cure in cases of Plasmodium vivax infection?
Which mosquito genera are primary vectors for malaria transmission?
Which mosquito genera are primary vectors for malaria transmission?
What is the correct sequence of the complete life cycle of mosquitoes?
What is the correct sequence of the complete life cycle of mosquitoes?
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Which of the following measures is NOT part of malaria prevention and control?
Which of the following measures is NOT part of malaria prevention and control?
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Which statement accurately describes the difference between relapse and recrudescence of malaria symptoms?
Which statement accurately describes the difference between relapse and recrudescence of malaria symptoms?
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Which of the following complications is specifically associated with falciparum malaria?
Which of the following complications is specifically associated with falciparum malaria?
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What is the gold standard laboratory technique for diagnosing malaria?
What is the gold standard laboratory technique for diagnosing malaria?
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Which factor contributes to the mild or asymptomatic nature of reinfection in endemic malaria areas?
Which factor contributes to the mild or asymptomatic nature of reinfection in endemic malaria areas?
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Which of the following describes the role of Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria transmission?
Which of the following describes the role of Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria transmission?
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Study Notes
Malaria
- Malaria disease is caused by a parasite belonging to the Plasmodium genus.
- Four types of Plasmodium infect humans: P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae, and P. ovale.
- P. vivax causes benign tertian malaria.
- P. falciparum causes malignant tertian malaria.
- P. malariae causes quartan malaria.
- P. ovale causes oval tertian malaria.
- Malaria has a complex life cycle that takes place in two hosts: humans and female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Human Life Cycle (Asexual Cycle)
- In humans, the Plasmodium parasite undergoes an asexual cycle.
- The first stage of the asexual cycle occurs in the liver (exoerythrocytic schizogony)
- The second stage of the asexual cycle occurs in red blood cells (erythrocytic schizogony).
Mosquito Life Cycle (Sexual Cycle)
- In the female Anopheles mosquito, the Plasmodium parasite undergoes a sexual cycle.
- The mosquito takes up gametocytes from infected humans during a blood meal.
- In the mosquito’s gut, gametes form zygotes.
- Zygotes develop into ookinetes, sporozoites, and sporozoites migrate to the mosquito’s salivary glands.
- Plasmodium parasites are transmitted to humans through the mosquito’s saliva during a blood meal.
Diagnosis of Malaria
- The "gold standard" test for malaria diagnosis is microscopic identification of Plasmodium parasites in blood samples.
- Quantitative Buffy Coat (QBC) analyzes the parasites in the buffy coat after centrifugation of blood.
- Immunechromatographic technique (ICT) detects Plasmodium specific antigens in patient blood.
Treatment of Malaria
- Anti-malarial drugs are used to treat malaria.
- Supportive therapy such as bed rest, cold sponging, antipyretics, and sedatives for headaches is also provided.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for treatment of malaria.
Prevention of Malaria
- Prevention measures include:
- Treatment of infected individuals
- Anti-mosquito measures
- Chemoprophylaxis for travelers to endemic areas
- Screening of blood donors in endemic areas
- RTS,s vaccine trial
Complications of Malaria
- Complications of malaria can vary depending on the Plasmodium species.
- Potential complications can be severe including:
- Cerebral malaria
- Severe anemia
- Renal disease
- Blackwater fever
- Dysentery
- Algid malaria (supra-renal hemorrhage)
- Pulmonary edema
- Respiratory distress syndrome
- Tropical splenomegaly syndrome
- Hypoglycemia
- Metabolic acidosis
- Hyperkalemia
- Hyperparasitaemia
Relapse and Recrudescence
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Relapse occurs when dormant hypnozoites in the liver reactivate and release merozoites that infect red blood cells. Relapse occurs in P. vivax and P. ovale infections.
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Recrudescence occurs when blood stage parasites survive treatment and reactivate, resulting in a recurrence of symptoms. It can occur in all Plasmodium species but mainly in P. falciparum and P. malariae.
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Reinfection can occur when an individual is bitten by an infected mosquito after a previous infection has been treated. In endemic areas, reinfection often results in mild symptoms due to the development of partial immunity.
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Description
This quiz explores the disease malaria, focusing on its causative agent, the Plasmodium genus, and its life cycle in humans and female Anopheles mosquitoes. Understand the different types of Plasmodium that infect humans and the specific stages of the parasite's life cycle. Test your knowledge about the complexities of this significant disease.
