Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium falciparum (/plazˈmoʊdiəm fælˈsɪpərəm/) is a protozoan parasite, one of the species of Plasmodium that cause malaria in humans. It is transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito. The term "falciparum" comes from the Latin "falx", meaning "sickle" and "parum" meaning "like or equal to", referring to the sickle-shape of the infected red blood cells.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum involves an invertebrate host, where it undergoes asexual multiplication (schizogony), and a vertebrate host, where it undergoes sexual multiplication (sporogony). The parasite enters the human host when an infected mosquito takes a blood meal.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Plasmodium falciparum malaria can range from mild to severe, and can include fever, chills, headache, sweats, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Severe malaria can cause anemia, kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death.
Treatment
Treatment for Plasmodium falciparum malaria typically involves antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, quinine, mefloquine, and artemisinin. However, resistance to these drugs has been reported in some areas.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for Plasmodium falciparum malaria include the use of insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial drugs for prophylaxis in high-risk areas.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Plasmodium falciparum
- Wikipedia's article - Plasmodium falciparum
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