Plasmodium

P. falciparum P. vivax P. malariae

Disease Transmitted
Malaria
Description
Four species are considered true parasites
of humans
P. falciparum
P. vivax
P. ovale
P. malariae
Description
P. falciparum
worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions
can cause severe malaria because it multiples
rapidly in the blood
Can clog small blood vessels

Description
P. vivax
Asia, Latin America, and some parts in Africa
Most prevalent human malaria parasite
Has dormant liver stages

Description
P. malariae
Worldwide
Only human malaria parasite species that has a quartan
cycle (three-day cycle)
Causes long-lasting, chronic infections


Mode of Transmission
Female Anopheles mosquitoes
mother to child in "congenital malaria
Transfusion
Organ transplantationS
hared needles.
Life Cycle
Diagnosis
Microscopy
Antibody Detection

Treatment
Infected should immediately be treated

If P. falciparum or cannot take oral meds,
continuous IV infusion is given
Treatment
chloroquine
atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone)
artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem)
mefloquine (Lariam)
quinine
quinidine
Treatment
doxycycline (used in combination with
quinine)
clindamycin (used in combination with
quinine)
Artesunate
Primaquine is active against the dormant
parasite liver forms (hypnozoites) and
prevents relapses.

Treatment
Depends on:
Species
Area
Drug-resistance status
Clinical status of the patient
Illness or condition
Pregnancy
Drug allergies, or other medications taken by
the patient