Question: In 1985 I contracted Malaria from a blood transfusion during childbirth complications. I gave birth on Thursday on Saturday I started to become ill terrible headache. high fever etc. I stayed at the hospital in with a fever of no lower than 105 for 8 days until a new Indian doctor in our area recognized what it was by my blood panels. I was started on a drug that I cannot recall at … [Read more...]
Pathophysiology of Malaria
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, being Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. All these species are introduced into … [Read more...]
Malaria and Jaundice
QUESTION: Why are patients suffering with malaria more susceptible to jaundice? ANSWER: The icterus/jaundice is usually from lysis/breakdown of infected red blood cells as they rupture and release new malaria parasites into the bloodstream. If only 1% of red cells are infected, this will be mild. If "parasitaemia" is severe/life threatening, say, 10% of red cells infected, then the … [Read more...]
Can malaria affect the liver and stomach?
QUESTION: Can malaria affect the liver and stomach? I had two attacks of P. falciparum few years back. Now I doubt there is some swelling under my right rib bone. Please clear my doubt. ANSWER: Malaria can certainly affect many of the organs in the body, including the stomach and liver. This is due to the sequestration (attachment) of red blood cells to the tiny blood vessels in these … [Read more...]