Malaria: Signs and Diagnosis

Malaria: Signs and Diagnosis

Malaria: Signs and Diagnosis

Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by the Plasmodia parasites. There are five identified species of this parasite causing malaria in humans, namely, Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi. It is transmitted by the female anopheles mosquito. It is a disease that can be treated in just 48 hours, yet it can cause fatal complications if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed. The malaria parasites (called sporozoites) migrate to the liver where they mature and release another form, the merozoites.

These enter the bloodstream and infect the red blood cells. The parasites multiply inside the red blood cells, which then rupture within 48 to 72 hours, infecting more red blood cells and thus results in malaria signs & symptoms. The majority of malaria signs are caused by the massive release of merozoites into the bloodstream, the anemia resulting from the destruction of the red blood cells, and the problems caused by large amounts of free hemoglobin released into the circulaion after red blood cells rupture.

Malaria is the fifth cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide after respiratory infections, HIV/AIDS, diarrhea and tuberculosis and the second in Africa, after HIV/AIDS. Malaria can also be transmitted congenitally from a mother to her unborn baby and by blood transfusions.

What are the signs and symptoms of Malaria?

The malaria signs & symptoms are somewhat similar to influenza. The common malaria signs are fever, chills, nausea, headache, and fatigue. Infection with the P. falciparum parasite is usually more serious and may become life-threatening. The severity of malaria also vary depends on the general health and the kind of malaria parasite.

How is Malaria diagnosis?

Malaria diagnosis involves identification of malaria parasite or its antigens/products in the blood of the patient. Although this seems simple, the efficacy of the Malaria diagnosis is subject to many factors. Malaria diagnosis is confirmed by blood tests and can be divided into microscopic and non-microscopic tests. Making a Malaria diagnosis begins with taking a thorough personal and family medical history, including symptoms and travel history, and completing a physical examination. Recent travel to sub-tropical or tropical areas of the world is an important clue that may increase the suspicion of a Malaria diagnosis.

Malaria diagnosis includes blood tests that check for the plasmodia parasites that cause malaria. A series of tests may need to be done to definitely diagnose malaria.

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