Malaria

1. Bug Type

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium protozoa (parasites), not bacteria or viruses.

2. Major Species

P. falciparum (deadliest), P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale.

3. Vector

Anopheles mosquito — only female mosquitoes transmit.

4. Origin

Tropical Africa; does not survive well in cold climates.

5. Life Cycle

Mosquito injects parasites → liver → red blood cells → cells burst → fever cycles.

6. Symptoms

Cyclic fevers, chills, sweating, anemia, dark urine (“blackwater fever”).

7. How It Kills

Falciparum malaria causes RBCs to stick to vessels → brain swelling → organ failure.

8. Sickle Cell Trait

Provides protection by altering red blood cell shape.

9. Treatment

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT); chloroquine (some resistance).

10. Is treatment real?

Yes — ACT is current WHO standard.

11. Prevention

Mosquito nets, repellents, eliminating standing water.

12. Vaccines

New malaria vaccines (RTS,S and R21) — real but moderate protection.

13. Scientists

Laveran (discovered parasite), Ronald Ross (mosquito transmission), Sallares (ancient DNA), Soren (Roman malaria history).

14. Why ancient Rome suffered

Environmental changes → marshes increased mosquito habitats.