QUESTION What is the pathophysiology of malaria? ANSWER Malaria causes disease through a number of pathways, which depend to a certain extent on the species. Malaria is caused by a single-celled parasite of the genus Plasmodium; there are five species which infect humans, beingPlasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. All these species are introduced into … [Read more...]
Malaria Effects on the Body
QUESTION What are the effects of malaria on the body? ANSWER Malaria has a number of effects on the body. The parasite passes from the blood (where it enters via the bite of an infected mosquito) into the liver, where it reproduces and changes form. After a period of 1-4 weeks (usually - it can be longer) in the liver, the malaria parasite re-enters the blood and begins to infect red … [Read more...]
How does malaria enter the body?
QUESTION: What is the portal of entry for malaria? ANSWER: Malaria enters its human hosts via the bite of mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. The malaria parasites are present in the mosquitoes saliva, and enter into the human bloodstream when the mosquito bites to take a blood meal. Once in the human body, the malaria parasite then undergoes a number of different life stages, … [Read more...]
Did I have malaria before?
I am from East Africa. On July 3rd,2011 I had chills and I consulted a doctor, he did a blood test and told me I had malaria and gave me medication. Then after 10 days I had neck pain and I went again to the doctor, who did another blood test, diagnosed malaria and gave medication. Then after 10 days it repeated. It's now the 22nd august,2011. I have pain in my neck and I went to another … [Read more...]
Malaria After Blood Transfusion
QUESTION: How many days does it take to become symptomatic after a blood transfusion of malaria infected blood to patient? ANSWER: This depends on the strain and burden of malaria parasites in the blood being transfused. Onset of malaria symptoms can be very rapid if infected red blood cells begin to rupture immediately, say within 24-48 hours, or conversely symptoms can be very … [Read more...]