Quartan fever

File:Anopheles Mosquito feeding.webm [[File:Anopheles_head_turning6314.ogv|Anopheles head turning6314.ogv Quartan fever is a type of malaria characterized by a fever that recurs every third day, which, if including the day of fever itself, actually results in a 72-hour cycle between fever episodes. This pattern of fever is due to the lifecycle of the parasite Plasmodium malariae, which is responsible for this form of malaria. Unlike other types of malaria, such as those caused by Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale, quartan fever tends to have a more prolonged course but is generally considered less severe in terms of acute manifestations.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The hallmark of quartan fever is the cyclic recurrence of fever every third day. Other symptoms may include chills, sweating, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pains. Due to its cyclic nature, the diagnosis of quartan fever can often be suspected based on the pattern of symptoms. However, definitive diagnosis requires the identification of P. malariae parasites in the blood, typically done through microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).

Treatment

Treatment of quartan fever involves the use of antimalarial drugs. The choice of medication may vary based on the geographic location, due to differing patterns of drug resistance. However, chloroquine is often effective against P. malariae infections. In cases where chloroquine resistance is suspected or confirmed, alternative medications such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) may be used.

Epidemiology

Quartan fever is less common than other forms of malaria and is most often found in specific geographic regions where P. malariae is endemic. These areas include parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. The lifecycle of P. malariae and its ability to cause long-term infections, sometimes lasting decades, contributes to its unique epidemiological pattern.

Prevention

Prevention of quartan fever follows the same guidelines as prevention of other forms of malaria. This includes the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying with insecticides, and the use of prophylactic antimalarial drugs for travelers to endemic areas. Public health measures focusing on reducing the breeding grounds of the Anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit the disease, are also crucial.

Historical Context

Quartan fever has been recognized for thousands of years, with descriptions that date back to ancient Greek and Roman texts. The term "quartan" derives from the Latin quartanus, meaning "of four", a reference to the fever's recurrence every fourth day by their counting. The understanding of quartan fever, like other forms of malaria, has evolved significantly with advancements in medical science, particularly with the discovery of the malaria parasite and the lifecycle of Plasmodium species.