Plasmodium malariae

Plasmodium malariae (pronounced: plaz-MOH-dee-um mal-uh-REE-ee) is a parasitic protozoa that is one of the species of Plasmodium which cause malaria in humans. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.

Etymology

The term "Plasmodium" is derived from the Greek words "plasma" meaning something formed or molded and "odein" meaning to cause pain. "Malariae" is derived from the Italian words "mal" meaning bad and "aria" meaning air, which refers to the old belief that bad air caused the disease.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Plasmodium malariae involves two hosts. During a blood meal, a malaria-infected mosquito injects sporozoites into the human host. The sporozoites infect liver cells and mature into schizonts. The schizonts rupture and release merozoites, which infect red blood cells. The ring-stage trophozoites mature into schizonts, which rupture releasing merozoites. Some of the merozoites develop into the sexual erythrocytic stages (gametocytes). Blood stage parasites are responsible for the clinical manifestations of the disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of malaria caused by Plasmodium malariae include fever, chills, headache, sweats, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms usually appear 10-15 days after the infective mosquito bite.

Treatment

The treatment for Plasmodium malariae includes antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine, quinine, or mefloquine.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Plasmodium malariae
Wikipedia's article - Plasmodium malariae

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Plasmodium malariae