Human Parasitology - Malaria

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to malaria and human parasitology.

Malaria

The most important parasitic disease caused by protozoa, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.

Apicomplexa

A phylum of parasitic protists, known for their unique apical complex structure used for penetrating host cells.

Plasmodium

A genus of parasitic protozoa that causes malaria in humans; includes species like P. falciparum and P. vivax.

Sporozoite

The infective form of the malaria parasite that is injected into the human bloodstream by an infected mosquito.

Erythrocytic cycle

The life cycle stage of malaria parasites that occurs within red blood cells.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells, commonly associated with malaria infection.

Cerebral malaria

A severe form of malaria commonly caused by P. falciparum, characterized by neurological complications.

Microscopy

A technique used for diagnosing malaria by examining blood smears under a microscope.

Quinine

An antimalarial drug derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, historically used for treating malaria.

Artemisinin

A potent antimalarial compound derived from the sweet wormwood plant, used in combination therapies for malaria.