Malaria discussions on HWN FAN COLUMN

Malaria is a parasitic disease that involves high fevers, shaking chills, flu-like symptoms, and anaemia.

Causes:
Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. After infection, the parasites (called sporozoites) travel through the bloodstream to the liver, where they mature and release another form, the merozoites. The parasites enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells.

The parasites multiply inside the red blood cells, which then break open within 48 to 72 hours, infecting more red blood cells. The first symptoms usually occur 10 days to 4 weeks after infection, though they can appear as early as 8 days or as long as a year after infection. The symptoms occur in cycles of 48 to 72 hours.

Most symptoms are caused by:
The release of merozoites into the bloodstream
Anaemia resulting from the destruction of the red blood cells
Large amounts of free hemoglobin being released into circulation after red blood cells break open Malaria can also be transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby (congenitally) and by blood transfusions. Malaria can be carried by mosquitoes in temperate climates, but the parasite disappears over the winter.
In some areas of the world, mosquitoes that carry malaria have developed resistance to insecticides. In addition, the parasites have developed resistance to some antibiotics. These conditions have led to difficulty in controlling both the rate of infection and spread of this disease.

Symptoms:
Anaemia  
Bloody stools
Chills
Coma
Convulsion
Fever
Headache
Jaundice
Muscle pain  
Nausea
Sweating
Vomiting

Exams and Tests:
During a physical examination, the doctor may find an enlarged liver or enlarged spleen. Malaria blood smears taken at 6 to 12 hour intervals confirm the diagnosis.

A complete blood count (CBC) will identify anaemia if it is present.
Artemisinin derivative combinations, including artemether and lumefantrine.
Atovaquone-proguanil .
Quinine-based regimen, in combination with doxycycline or clindamycin)
Mefloquine, in combination with artesunate or doxycycline
Choice of medication depends in part on where you were when you were infected.

Medical care, including fluids through a vein (IV) and other medications and breathing (respiratory) support may be needed.

Source: Dr Oyeyemi Olusegun Adeniyi, HWN Africa.