10.1.4

Malaria

Test yourself

Malaria

Malaria is a disease caused by Protoctista, resulting in cyclical symptoms of fever, chills and ultimately death if left untreated. The parasite can also use birds, bats and other animals as hosts.

Illustrative background for PathogenIllustrative background for Pathogen ?? "content

Pathogen

  • Malaria is caused by several species of the Plasmodium genus.
    • P. falciparum causes the most malarial deaths worldwide.
    • P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi are much rarer, but P. vivax can remain in the liver for years without causing symptoms.
  • The parasite grows and multiplies in erythrocytes, causing them to burst every 2-3 days, releasing Plasmodium into the bloodstream.
Illustrative background for TreatmentIllustrative background for Treatment ?? "content

Treatment

  • Malaria is treated using antimalarial medication such as Doxycycline and Mefloquine.
    • A preventative course of this medication should be taken prior to travel to known high-risk regions - this can reduce the risk of malaria by up to 90%.
  • Different antimalarial medication can be used to treat the disease if the preventative course does not work.
Illustrative background for TransmissionIllustrative background for Transmission ?? "content

Transmission

  • Malaria is transmitted by insect vectors, specifically the female Anopheles mosquito when it takes a blood meal from an infected person.
  • Malaria is most common in Africa, Asia and South America because the climate is suitably warm for the mosquito to live in and the probability of biting an infected person is higher.
Illustrative background for PreventionIllustrative background for Prevention ?? "content

Prevention

  • Removing the insect vector is 100% effective in preventing transmission, although this is not always practical on a large scale.
  • Sleeping under mosquito nets, applying insect repellent and covering exposed skin help reduce the risk of being bitten in the first place.
  • Developing countries are particularly affected by malaria. Funding from governments or charities is often required to provide mosquito nets.
Illustrative background for LocationIllustrative background for Location ?? "content

Location

  • The mosquito vector for malaria requires warm, damp conditions to survive.
  • This limits the disease to hot, humid countries near the equator.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Structure

2Biological Molecules

3Enzymes

4Cell Membranes & Transport

5The Mitotic Cell Cycle

6Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis

7Transport in Plants

8Transport in Mammals

9Gas Exchange

10Infectious Diseases

11Immunity

12Energy & Respiration (A2 Only)

13Photosynthesis (A2 Only)

14Homeostasis (A2 Only)

15Control & Coordination (A2 Only)

16Inherited Change (A2 Only)

17Selection & Evolution (A2 Only)

18Classification & Conservation (A2 Only)

19Genetic Technology (A2 Only)

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium