Malaria Flashcards
why is malaria deadly
kills more more every week than ebola outbreak
plasmodium falciparum
main causative agent of malaria (although other plasmodium species can cause the disease - accounts for 90% mortality)
complex life cycle
a parasite that requires multiple different host species to complete its life cycle
what is the definitive host of malaria
mosquito = vector
definitive host
the host in which sexual reproduction of a parasite takes place
how do mosquitos bite you
inject you with compounds from salivary glands to prevent blood clotting before feeding - anticoagulant = causes itch
plasmodium falciparum life cycle
mosquito: gametocyte > sporozoites
human liver: sporozoites > merozoites (assexual reproduction)
human blood: merozoites > gametocytes (infect blood cells + burst out)
malaria infection increases the attractiveness of humans to mosquitos
evidence towards those infected with gametocytes
how can we prevent malaria
- kill vector
- kill vector habitat
- netting
factors varying between Anopheles species
- susceptibility to plasmodium
- life span
- host preference
- activity pattern
how did the army reduce malaria in 1905
- surfur candle Fumigation
- yellow fever Quarantine
- oiling roadside ditches in Panama
residual spraying
the application of small amounts of insecticide to the interior walls of houses to kill and repel malaria-transmitting mosquitos
was the global malaria eradication attempt successful when ended
malaria more prevalent
mosquitoes more resistant to DDT
parasites resistant to chloroquine
DDT banned in many countries
RBM strategies
- insecticide treated nets
- spraying houses with insecticides
- preventative treatment for pregnant women
- timely treatment of the sick with effective drugs
factors aiding the eradication of smallpox
- no asymptomatic carriers
- short infectious period
- recovery leads to immunity
- symptoms recognizable
- no animal reservoir (disease cannot persit)
- inexpensive and effective vaccine)
why did number of polio cases increase
poor sanitation - every child exposed - everyone immune late = lower number paralyzed
better sanitation - few exposed - more susceptible later = higher number paralyzed
