Malaria in Adults

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to malaria in adults.

Malaria

A parasitic disease caused by five Plasmodium species in humans.

Plasmodium falciparum

The most dangerous species of Plasmodium, responsible for the majority of malaria deaths.

Vector

In this context, refers to species of anopheline mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

Hypoendemic

A classification of malaria risk where the spleen or parasite rate is 0-10%.

Mesoendemic

A classification of malaria risk where the spleen or parasite rate is 10-50%.

Hyperendemic

A classification of malaria risk with spleen or parasite rates of 50-75%.

Holoendemic

A classification of malaria risk where the spleen or parasite rate is over 75%.

Cytokines

Proteins produced by immune cells that help mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis.

Gametocytes

Sexual stage of the Plasmodium parasite that develops in the human host and can be transferred to mosquitoes.

Sequestration

The adherence of infected red blood cells (RBC) to blood vessel walls, which is a pathophysiological mechanism in malaria.

Erythrocytic cycle

The cycle of a malaria parasite in the human blood stages, resulting in replication and eventual cell lysis.

Incubation period

The time from infection to the first appearance of symptoms, usually about 2 weeks for vivax and falciparum malaria.

Antimalarial drugs

Medications used in the treatment and prevention of malaria.

Resistance

The ability of malaria parasites to withstand the effects of drugs that are meant to kill them.

Prophylaxis

Preventive treatment aimed at reducing the risk of contraction or spread of malaria.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an agency that provides information on health and safety including disease prevention.

Antigen detection

Testing methods that identify specific malaria antigens in a patient's blood to diagnose malaria.

Liver stage

The phase of malaria development that occurs in the liver before the parasite enters the bloodstream.

Schizonticide

A type of antimalarial drug that targets the schizont stage of the Plasmodium lifecycle.

Pulmonary edema

A condition characterized by excess fluid in the lungs, which can occur as a complication of severe malaria.

Chloroquine

An antimalarial drug that was historically used as a first-line treatment for malaria.

Pyrimethamine

An antimalarial drug that is often used in combination with sulfonamides to enhance its effectiveness.

Artemisinin

A derivative of the sweet wormwood plant, used in treating malaria due to its fast action against Plasmodium.

Cerebral Malaria

A severe complication of malaria involving the brain that can lead to coma or death.

Sporozoites

Form of the malaria parasite that is injected into humans by mosquito bites.

Immune response

The body's defense mechanism against infections, including malaria.