Plasmodium vivax

Plasmodium vivax (/plazˈmoʊdiəm ˈvaɪvæks/) is a protozoal parasite and a human pathogen. The most frequent and widely distributed cause of recurring (malariotherapy), P. vivax is one of the five species of malaria causing parasites that commonly infect humans. It is less virulent than Plasmodium falciparum, which is the deadliest of the five, but P. vivax malaria infections can lead to severe disease and death due to splenomegaly (a pathologically enlarged spleen).

The term "vivax" comes from the Latin "vivax", meaning "long-lasting". This refers to the long duration of parasite survival in the human body, which can last up to three years.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of P. vivax involves several distinct stages in the anopheles mosquito and human hosts. P. vivax parasites produce proteins that bind to certain types of red blood cells in humans, but not in other animals.

Symptoms

Symptoms of P. vivax malaria include fever, chills, nausea, flu-like illness, and in severe cases, anemia and jaundice. The symptoms of P. vivax malaria typically begin 12–17 days after infection, but can occur up to a year after infection.

Treatment

Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and eradicate the parasites in the body. Antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine and primaquine are commonly used.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying with insecticides, and antimalarial drugs.

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Plasmodium vivax