Malaria: An Overview

Introduction
• Malaria is a parasitic infectious disease that is
caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is
transmitted through the bite of infected
mosquitoes.
• The disease affects red blood cells, leading to
symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and
muscle pain. If left untreated, malaria can have
serious complications and can be fatal.
• The Anopheles mosquito is the only type of
mosquito known to transmit the disease.
 Species of Plasmodium Parasites

Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium malariae
 Epidemiological View of Malaria

A major public health problem globally

Nearly half of the world's population is at risk
Highest burden in sub-Saharan Africa
Causes hundreds of thousands of deaths annually
 Pathogenesis of MALARIA
Symptoms are due to
Hemolysis of Red Blood Cells:
with release of metabolites and pigments from
Malaria parasite.
Plugging of capillaries by parasitized
erythrocytes:
In cerebral malaria there is sequestration of parasites
in central nervous system capillaries.
 Life Cycle Stages of Malaria Parasites

Ingested by mosquito
Reproduces in the mosquito gut
Transferred to humans through
mosquito bite
Reproduces in human liver and red
blood cells
Causes symptoms through
destruction of red blood cells
 Clinical Features & Complications of
Malaria
Fever, chills, headache, muscle pain
Anemia, jaundice, respiratory distress
Severe cases can lead to coma, kidney failure,
and death
 Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria

Microscopic examination of blood

Rapid diagnostic tests
Molecular tests
 Drugs Used in Malaria Treatment

Artemisinin-based combination therapies

Chloroquine
Quinine
Mefloquine
Thank You.