QUESTION How long must a malaria parasite grow in its host before it can be transmitted to humans? ANSWER The successful development of the malaria parasite in the mosquito (from the "gametocyte" stage to the "sporozoite" stage) depends on several factors, but usually takes 10 - 18 days. The most important is ambient temperature and humidity (higher temperatures accelerate the parasite … [Read more...]
Examination of Malaria Parasite
QUESTION How can you examine malaria parasites? ANSWER Malaria parasites are usually examined under a microscope using a peripheral blood smear method (also called a blood film). Thick blood smears, which use a large unsmeared drop of blood, are sensitive since a large number of red blood cells can be examined, though the parasites, if present, are difficult to distinguish … [Read more...]