QUESTION My girlfriend had malaria in Uganda. It was detected 2nd of October, it was mild form, she felt dizzy, temperature was little higher. She got Artefan, forth day she was in hospital for review, they told her from blood test that its not malaria anymore. We came home (Slovakia) but week ago she had suddenly the same symptoms like she had had the first time—dizziness, pain in … [Read more...]
Meaning of DDR
QUESTION what's the meaning of DDR? ANSWER Within the context of malaria and health more generally, "DDR" often refers to "Drug Development Research," meaning investigation of new anti-malarial compounds, both for malaria prevention (prophylaxis) and treatment. However, in some health contexts (for example recreational drugs) it can also mean "Drug Demand Reduction," which is very … [Read more...]
Recurrent Malaria
QUESTION Malaria has been with me since the late 1980's after 6 years in Malawi. During the 90's I had it twice per year in Feb and Sept. Blood tests always came up negative. Treatment was with Chloroquine, later Halafantrin and then Co Artem. 2 or 3 treatments were required as symptoms appeared 2 weeks after completion of initial treatment. In 2004 I treated with a bodyweight specific dose … [Read more...]
Injections for Malaria Treatment?
QUESTION I have a friend that just told me that she has Malaria. She said she has to go to the hospital every day for an injection for around the next 2 weeks. Is this a typical treatment. Why not just take pills? I`m just trying to wrap my head around this and understand the different treatments. ANSWER This is certainly not typical treatment for malaria. Uncomplicated malaria is usually … [Read more...]
Causes of Malaria
QUESTION What causes malaria? ANSWER Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted via the bites of infected mosquitoes. In the human body, the parasites multiply in the liver, and then infect red blood cells. Usually, people get malaria by being bitten by an infective female Anopheles mosquito. Only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria and they must have … [Read more...]
Discovery of Cinchona
QUESTION Cinchona was discovered in which country? ANSWER "Cinchona" refers to a genus of trees which are known for having strong alkaloid compounds in their bark, and notably one which has anti-malarial properties. This particular alkaloid is now known as "quinine." Cinchona trees are native to South America, and were long used by native people to treat fevers—as such, it is perhaps … [Read more...]
Is Malaria Fatal?
QUESTION Can you die from malaria? ANSWER Yes. If left untreated, certain types of malaria in particular can cause severe complications, and can even lead to death. Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous form of malaria and is responsible for 90% of the approximately 700,000 annual deaths caused by malaria. However, P. vivax infections can also be very serious, and more recently, … [Read more...]
How is Malaria Treated
QUESTION How is malaria treated? ANSWER This answer is copied from an earlier question about the various available cures for malaria. Malaria can be cured with a number of different medications, depending on then type of malaria and how far the disease has been progressed. For standard, non-complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the World Health Organisation recommends use of … [Read more...]
Crystal Meth and Malaria Pills
QUESTION If you were on crystal meth and now take malaria pills, will the pills be canceled? ANSWER I am pretty sure there has never been any actual research on the effect of crystal meth (methamphetamine) on absorption of malaria medication. However, some compounds do interfere with the uptake of malaria medication, so it is possible that crystal meth could also have such an effect. … [Read more...]
Recurrent Malaria; Coartem Side Effects
QUESTION I get recurrent malaria 2 to 3 times per year in Feb, March and Sept. I take Coartem which just about kills me. I had it in early Sept this year and it was back 3 weeks later. Please can you advise how to stop it recurring. It has been a regular health problem since the 1980's. I have had 3 Primaquine treatments to eradicate the liver parasites. The treatment did not work. Your … [Read more...]