The Plasmodium parasite is the primary cause of malaria, a serious illness that can be fatal. It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2021, and the disease caused an estimated 619,000 deaths.
Fortunately, malaria is preventable, and there are many steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from this dangerous disease. This article provides an in-depth overview of malaria, including the malaria life cycle, symptoms, treatment, and prevention options.
What is Malaria?
The parasite Plasmodium causes the parasitic disease malaria. Humans contract the parasites from the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes that have been infected. Malaria is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, South America, and Asia.(1)
Malaria Life-Cycle
Malaria Life Cycle
The Plasmodium parasite has a complex lifecycle that involves two hosts: humans and mosquitoes. The lifecycle of Plasmodium has four distinct stages, each with its unique characteristics and challenges.
Sporozoite Stage: In this stage, the parasite is injected into the human bloodstream by an infected mosquito. The sporozoites then travel to the liver, where they begin to multiply and mature.
Merozoite Stage: Once matured, the sporozoites are released from the liver and enter the bloodstream, where they infect red blood cells.
Inside the red blood cells, the parasite multiplies rapidly and causes the cells to burst, releasing even more parasites into the bloodstream.
Gametocyte Stage: Some of the parasites in the bloodstream mature into male and female gametocytes, which are taken up by the mosquito when it feeds on an infected person.
Sporogonic Stage: Inside the mosquito, the gametocytes mature into gametes and fuse to form a zygote. The zygote then develops into an ookinete, which penetrates the mosquito’s gut wall and forms an oocyst.
The oocyst then releases thousands of sporozoites, which migrate to the mosquito’s salivary glands and are ready to infect another human.(2)
Video: Animation Of Malaria Life Cycle
Symptoms of Malaria
The symptoms of malaria can vary depending on the type of parasite that causes the infection.
A] Most common symptoms of malaria
- Fever- It usually occurs in cycles, with the patient experiencing a high fever followed by a period of normal temperature, and then another bout of fever.
- Headache- The patient may experience a severe headache, which can be accompanied by vomiting.
- Chills- The patient may feel cold and shiver, followed by a period of fever.
- Muscle Pain- The patient may experience muscle pain, especially in the back, arms, and legs.
- Fatigue- The patient may feel tired and weak, even after getting enough rest.
- Sweating- The patient may experience profuse sweating, especially during the fever stage.
- Nausea- The patient may feel sick to their stomach and may vomit.
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B] Less common symptom of malaria
- Jaundice- It is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Anemia- It is characterized by a low red blood cell count, which can lead to fatigue and weakness.
- Seizures-It is characterized by uncontrollable shaking of the body.(3)
Malaria Treatment
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The treatment of malaria typically involves the use of antimalarial drugs, which target the malaria parasite in the patient’s bloodstream.(4)
Antimalarial Drugs
There are several types of antimalarial drugs that are used to treat malaria. The choice of drug and the duration of treatment will depend on the type of malaria parasite and the severity of the infection.
- Chloroquine
Chloroquine is one of the most commonly used antimalarial drugs. It is effective against most types of malaria parasites, and it is relatively inexpensive.
However, in some regions of the world, the malaria parasite has developed resistance to chloroquine, making it less effective.
- Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies (ACTs)
Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are a group of drugs that combine artemisinin with other antimalarial drugs. They are very effective against the malaria parasite, including strains that have developed resistance to other antimalarial drugs.
ACTs are currently recommended as the first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria by the World Health Organization.
- Quinine
Quinine is an antimalarial drug that has been used for many years. It is effective against most types of malaria parasites, but it can have side effects, such as nausea and ringing in the ears.
- Mefloquine
Mefloquine is an antimalarial drug that is used to treat and prevent malaria. It is effective against most types of malaria parasites, but it can have side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
- Primaquine
Primaquine is an antimalarial drug that is used to treat and prevent malaria. It is effective against certain types of malaria parasites, including the parasite that causes relapsing malaria.
However, it can have side effects, such as anemia and damage to the liver.
- Doxycycline
Doxycycline is an antibiotic that is sometimes used to prevent and treat malaria. It is effective against most types of malaria parasites, but it can have side effects, such as sensitivity to sunlight and upset stomach.(5)
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Duration of Treatment
The duration of treatment for malaria depends on the type of malaria parasite and the severity of the infection. For uncomplicated malaria, treatment typically lasts three days with ACTs, while treatment for severe malaria may last up to seven days or more.(6)
Who Should Take Antimalarial Medications?
Antimalarial medications are recommended for people who are traveling to areas where malaria is prevalent, including sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Central and South America.
However, the specific recommendations will depend on a variety of factors, including your destination, the time of year, your age, and your health status.(7)
Prevention Of Malaria
There are several effective strategies for preventing malaria (malaria life cycle), including:
Taking Antimalarial Medications– Antimalarial medications are highly effective at preventing malaria in people who are at risk of infection.
Using Insect Repellent– Insect repellents can help to protect you from mosquito bites and reduce your risk of contracting malaria.
Look for a repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wearing Protective Clothing– Wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks can help to reduce your risk of mosquito bites. You can also treat your clothing with permethrin, an insecticide that kills mosquitoes on contact.
Sleeping Under a Mosquito Net– Sleeping under a mosquito net can provide an additional layer of protection against malaria & ultimately stops malaria life cycle from further proceeding. Make sure the net is treated with insecticide and tucked in tightly around the edges of the bed.
Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites– Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water, so eliminating breeding sites can help to reduce the mosquito population and your risk of malaria.
Remove any standing water around your home, including in flower pots, buckets, and other containers.
Staying Indoors at Dusk and Dawn– Anopheles mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so staying indoors during these times can help to reduce your risk of mosquito bites and starting of malaria life cycle in your body to give you unwanted malaria disease. (8)
Conclusion
Understanding the malaria life cycle is crucial in preventing and treating the disease. By targeting different stages of the life cycle, effective prevention and treatment measures can be developed. Prevention measures, such as the use of mosquito nets and insect repellent, can reduce the risk of infection, while prompt diagnosis and treatment with antimalarial medication can help to prevent severe illness and death.
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