Tertian ague

Tertian Ague is a historical term used to describe a form of malaria characterized by a fever that recurs every third day, counting the day of the fever as the first day. The term "ague" refers to the fever and chills associated with malaria. Tertian ague is specifically associated with infections caused by the Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale species of the malaria parasite, which have a 48-hour life cycle in the blood stage of infection.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of tertian ague is a cyclical fever that recurs every third day. This fever is often accompanied by chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. The fever pattern is due to the life cycle of the Plasmodium parasites within the red blood cells. When the parasites mature, they rupture the infected red blood cells, releasing new parasites into the bloodstream and causing the characteristic fever.

Causes

Tertian ague is caused by infection with Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium ovale. These parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Once in the human body, the parasites travel to the liver, where they mature and reproduce. They then infect red blood cells, leading to the symptoms of malaria.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tertian ague involves identifying the Plasmodium parasites in a blood sample. This is typically done using microscopic examination of stained blood films or rapid diagnostic tests that detect antigens derived from the parasites.

Treatment

Treatment for tertian ague involves the use of antimalarial drugs. The choice of medication depends on the species of Plasmodium causing the infection, the geographic area where the infection was acquired (due to drug resistance patterns), and the patient's condition. Commonly used antimalarials include chloroquine, primaquine, and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

Prevention

Prevention of tertian ague focuses on controlling the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit the disease and taking prophylactic antimalarial drugs when traveling to areas where malaria is endemic. Measures to control mosquitoes include using insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying with insecticides, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Historical Context

Tertian ague has been recognized for centuries, with descriptions dating back to ancient times. It was a significant health problem in many parts of the world until the mid-20th century when efforts to control malaria through the use of DDT and other measures significantly reduced its prevalence in many areas.