QUESTION which malarial parasite is deadliest for humans, and why? ANSWER By far the most deadly malaria parasite is Plasmodium falciparum, as it is responsible for >95% of all malaria deaths every year. Most of these fatalities occur in young children in sub-Saharan Africa. The causes for why P. falciparum is so deadly are still not fully understood. This parasite has the ability … [Read more...]
Who introduced malaria in which century?
QUESTION Who introduced malaria in which century, how does it cause malaria and what is the virus' name? ANSWER Malaria wasn't introduced; it has been evolving alongside humans for thousands, if not millions of years. The first known mention of malaria by humans is in an ancient Chinese medical text, from 2700 BCE (before common era). Other ancient people, such as the Romans and the … [Read more...]
Malaria and Renal Failure
QUESTION Explain how malaria can cause renal failure? ANSWER There are several mechanisms by which malaria can contribute to renal failure, which vary due to the type of malaria. The exact way in which these various effects combine to cause acute renal failure is not known. The most common type of malaria to cause renal failure is Plasmodium falciparum, generally the most severe and … [Read more...]
Malaria and Blood Cells
QUESTION What effect does malaria have on blood cells? ANSWER Malaria survives by invading red blood cells (erythrocytes), then replicating within them several times (the exact number and timing of replication depends on the species of malaria), then, once done with replication, bursts from inside the red blood cells, destroying it in the process. As such, malaria infection decreases the … [Read more...]
Why do people die of malaria?
QUESTION: Why is it that people die of malaria? ANSWER: The symptoms of malaria are caused by the malaria parasite reproducing inside the patient's red blood cells and eventually destroying them. In this process, the malaria parasites also produce toxic waste chemicals and debris which build up in the patient's blood stream. The body produces a strong immune response as a reaction to … [Read more...]
Can malaria cause kidney failure?
QUESTION: Can malaria be a cause for kidney failure or brain fever? ANSWER: Malaria, and specifically Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most severe and deadly form of the disease, can certainly cause both renal failure and brain fever. It usually does this by infecting red blood cells, which then become blocked in tiny blood vessels deep within organs. This process is called … [Read more...]
Why are platelets low in malaria infections?
QUESTION: Why are platelets low in malaria infections? Why is there no internal bleeding in malaria? ANSWER: Platelets are low especially with P. falciparum infections, but also potentially with high-burden P. vivax infections. This is probably from sequestration in blood vessels and spleen. Actually, there is life threatening bleeding associated with severe cerebral malaria from this … [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...]