QUESTION Why does the malaria parasite first enter the liver? ANSWER The malaria parasite enters the liver in order to transform from a sporozoite (which can infect liver cells) to a merozoite, which is capable of infecting red blood cells. Both stages also include a proliferation step, but in the blood, the merozoites are also able to differentiate into gametocytes, which are then taken … [Read more...]
Schizont
QUESTION What is a schizont? ANSWER A schizont is a malaria parasite which has matured and contains many merozoites, which are the parasite stage that infects red blood cells. Schizonts can be produces during two separate phases of the life cycle within the human host: first in the hepatocytic cells in the liver (when sporozoites mature) during the exo-erythrocytic cycle and then … [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...]
Primaquine for Malaria Treatment
QUESTION: In India what is the duration of primaquine therapy in confirmed Malaria infection? ANSWER: Primaquine is usually used to kill the hypnozoite stages of Plasmodium vivax or P. ovale. This life stage of the malaria parasite can reside, dormant in the liver's hepatocyte cells, even after the patient has completed the normal course of treatment for the infection; at this stage, the … [Read more...]