Pathogenesis (development of disease) Malaria is caused by the various species of the genus Plasmodium (Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Plasmodium ovale; Plasmodium malariae; Plasmodium knowlesi; Plasmodium semiovale). These have a two-part development cycle, one part of which (sexual cycle) occurs in the vector mosquito (Anopheles) and another in humans. If the pathogen has been transmitted … Malaria: Causes
General measures Observance of the general hygiene measures! In the occurrence of fever: Bed rest and physical rest (even with only a slight fever). Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated! (Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; old, weakened people; patients with a weakened immune system). For fever from 39 ° … Malaria: Therapy
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Microscopic examination of the thick drop and thin blood smears (plasmodia direct detection) [gold standard] Specimen material should be collected at fever peak. Creating a “thick drop” (capillary blood); the “thick drop” is particularly suitable for sparse parasitemia (presence of parasites in the blood), as this leads … Malaria: Lab Test
Therapeutic targets Elimination of the pathogens Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Patients with M. tropica are always treated as inpatients in Germany because of the possible severe course. In malaria tropica, it must first be determined whether organ complications have already occurred. Uncomplicated malaria tropica should be treated as an inpatient with ACT (“Artemisinin-based Combination … Malaria: Drug Therapy
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for suspected sequelae such as acute renal failure (ANV). X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes – in … Malaria: Diagnostic Tests
To prevent malaria, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors (in this case, exposure prophylaxis). Behavioral risk factors Insufficient protection against mosquito bites in malaria areas. Other risk factors Airport malaria (synonyms: aircraft or airport malaria) – infection on the plane or at the airport by imported mosquitoes. Baggage malaria – infection by mosquitoes … Malaria: Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate malaria: First uncharacteristic symptoms Fatigue General feeling of illness Irregular remitting fever Pain in the limbs Headache Occurrence of exanthema (rash) only in very rare cases. In malaria tropica, the following symptoms may also occur: Irregular febrile temperatures: re- or intermittent course; a continuous fever (febris continua) is … Malaria: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of malaria. Family history Social history Have you been on a foreign trip to a malaria area within the last year? Did you protect yourself adequately there? Do you work at the airport? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). What symptoms … Malaria: Medical History
Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Amoebic dysentery – infectious disease occurring in the (sub)tropics; causative agents are protozoans belonging to the species Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar; symptom: mushy, mucopurulent, bloody stools (raspberry jelly-like stools). Bartonellosis (cat disease) – infectious disease occurring mainly in South America, caused by representatives of the genus Bartonella and often … Malaria: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by malaria: Respiratory system (J00-J99) Pulmonary involvement, unspecified Blood, hematopoietic organs – immune system (D50-D90). Hemolytic anemia – form of anemia caused by the destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells). Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) – severe disease caused by excessive activation … Malaria: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [jaundice]. Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin changes)? Pulsations? Bowel … Malaria: Examination
