# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Plasmodium _ a protoctist ( eukaryote ), parasite 

# data[].attributes.body
Caused by specific plasmodium :

Plasmodium falciparum ( 75% )

P. Malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax ( 25% )

* Appearance changes depends on life cycle stages.

* Plasmodium is most motile during initial infective stages.

# data[].attributes.body
What is vector ?

Organism that carries a disease from one person to another/ from an animal to human

Insect vector : Female Anopheles mosquitoes

*Only female take blood meals to supply eggs with nutrients

*Also through blood transfusions, use of unsterile needle, and can pass across placenta from mother.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Understanding transmission biology at an individual level is a key component of intervention strategies that target the spread of malaria parasites from human to mosquito. Gametocytes are specialized sexual stages of the malaria parasite life cycle…

# data[].attributes.body
# Mosquito takes blood meal from infected person and then takes a blood meal from uninfected person.

Life cycle of Plasmodium :

1) Plasmodium's gametes fuse, multiplies in and form infective stages in mosquitoes.

2) When mosquito takes a blood meal, parasite enters host with mosquito's anticoagulant and saliva.

3) Infective stages of parasite enter bloodstream and then liver cells.

4) Parasite matures in liver cells, then leaves liver to enter RBCs .

5) Parasites multiply in RBCs, causing RBCs to lyse.

6) Parasites are released and infect other RBCs.

7) Parasites picked up by another mosquito in a blood meal.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Malaria Life Cycle Animation: Mosquito Host — HHMI BioInteractive Video

# data[].attributes.body
Fever

Anaemia

Nausea

Headaches

Muscle pain

Shivering

Sweating

Enlarged spleen

Diagnosis

Microscopical analysis of blood

Dip stick test for malaria antigens in blood

# data[].attributes.body
1) Use prophylactic / preventive drugs ( e.g. chloroquine )

2) Reduce number of mosquitoes

spry insecticides, spread oil over water surface to prevent mosquito breeding, breed fish than feeds in larva, spray Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria to kill mosquito larvae.

3) Prevention of bites ( best method )

Use mosquito nets, soak mosquito nets in insecticide, mosquito repellent, don't expose skin when mosquito are active at dusk.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Malaria: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, Prevention and Signs

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Malaria is a serious illness spread by mosquitoes. It causes recurring flu-like symptoms and can be fatal. Learn about prevention and treatment.

# data[].attributes.body
Global Distribution:

Malaria is endemic in TROPICAL AREAS and SUB-TROPICAL AREAS

Why ?

The vector, the Anopheles mosquito, survives and breeds in hot and humid areas.

Needs still / stagnant water to reproduce

Plasmodium reproduces within the mosquito at > 20 degree celcius

Eradicated outside tropics ( exp. USA, Italy )

# data[].attributes.body
1) Drug-Resistant Plasmodium ( e.g. chloroquine )

2) Insecticides-resistant mosquitoes ) e.g. DDT )

DDT is most common insecticide

Insecticides used also killed other organisms

Reduction in mosquito also caused lost in immunity to malaria in local community, making them more vulnerable when the disease returned.

3) Global warming has resulted in spread of mosquito

More warm areas for mosquito to breed and survive

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Malaria is one of the most severe public health problems.