Malaria Facts and Diagnostic Tests

What is malaria and how is it caused?

Malaria is a fatal blood-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Six species of malaria infect humans (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale wallickeri, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi). It affects the RBCs, which make us sick and initially cause symptoms like the flu. Once the mosquito with the infection bites humans, multiplication of parasites happens inside the liver before causing infections or any harm to RBCs in the body.

What are the symptoms and types of malaria tests?

The symptoms usually begin based on the type of parasite between 7 and 30 days after an infected mosquito bites you. In a few cases, symptoms appear in a few days, and some take up to a year. The first symptoms of malaria are like the flu: fever, fatigue, chills, nausea, headaches, and body pain. Symptoms may appear and disappear every two to three days. But in serious cases, when left untreated, it can lead to conditions such as anemia, jaundice, kidney failures, seizures, and even coma.

Malaria testing can be done by blood tests using techniques such as:

Microscopy (blood smear test): A blood sample is taken, and a smear is made and observed under the microscope to check the presence of malaria parasites and the shapes of RBCs. Under the smear, malaria can be identified by many unique characteristics depending on the parasite.eg: band-like trophozoites, rosette schizonts. etc.

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs): Malaria Antigen tests detects small pieces of specific antigens (proteins) produced by malaria parasites that are found in the blood of infected individuals. Sensitivity is lower, but it can detect malaria in 10–15 minutes and is widely used.

Molecular detection methods such as PCR: Malaria Detection PCR tests are more sensitive than microscopic smear and rapid tests and detect the exact species of plasmodium that microscopy can’t identify. It takes more time than the latter making it less ideal for initial diagnosis and treatment.

5 key facts about Malaria:

*Malaria is found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions:

Malaria is one of the deadliest infections in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, particularly Africa. The temperature is the key here for the Anopheles mosquito's survival and its growth cycle. Malaria transmission is more common in warmer regions closer to the equator and can occur year-round and in the rainy seasons which is a good season for breeding mosquitoes.

*Malaria can be fatal if untreated and preventable:

P. falciparum is the most pathogenic malaria which can cause serious conditions if not treated on time. It cannot spread from person to person but only through mosquitoes. Malaria can be treated within 2 weeks if diagnosed early and with proper treatment. It can be prevented by taking medication on time.

* Children and Pregnant Women are at high risk of malaria: 

Women become less immune to malaria during pregnancy, making them more susceptible to infection. Malaria can cause severe anemia, premature delivery, delivery of low-birthweight babies, spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), and death during pregnancy. Children under the age of 5 are more prone to malaria due to less immunity towards malaria.

*Female Mosquitoes only cause Malaria:

An individual can get malaria only if bitten by a female-infected mosquito. Once the mosquito ingests the parasite it must undergo development within the mosquito before it infects humans. These mosquitoes are typically active at dusk or night.

*Relapse in Malaria:

In a few cases of plasmodium, malaria symptoms can disappear and appear months or years later. This is observed due to the dormant stage of parasites in which no disease activity is seen. Hence symptoms can show if the parasite gets activated. Relapses can be prevented by taking proper medication.

Summary:

Malaria is a serious disease caused by the genus Plasmodium and transmitted by the infected Anopheles mosquito. Globally malaria cases are estimated to be near 250 million and 2 million deaths in a year. Malaria species severity differs in severity, mortality, and geographic distribution. Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites: using insecticides, window screens, insect repellent, netting and eliminating mosquito breeding places by proper sanitation.