Falciparum malaria

Falciparum Malaria is a severe form of malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It is the most dangerous type of malaria, with the highest rates of complications and mortality.

Etiology

Falciparum malaria is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This parasite is one of five species of Plasmodium that commonly infect humans. The other four are P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. P. falciparum is the most deadly of these species.

Transmission

The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The mosquito acts as a vector, carrying the parasite from one host to another.

Pathogenesis

Once inside the human host, the P. falciparum parasites invade the red blood cells, where they multiply and cause the cells to burst. This leads to the clinical symptoms of malaria.

Clinical Features

The symptoms of falciparum malaria can range from mild to severe, and can include fever, chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and severe anemia. In severe cases, the disease can lead to life-threatening complications such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia, and multi-organ failure.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of falciparum malaria is typically made through microscopic examination of a blood smear. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can also be used.

Treatment

Treatment for falciparum malaria typically involves antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous treatment may be required.

Prevention

Prevention strategies for falciparum malaria include the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and antimalarial drugs for prophylaxis.

See Also

• Malaria
• Plasmodium
• Anopheles
• Artemisinin