Apollo Hospitals | Malaria | Symptoms | Causes | Treatment | Dr. Suneetha Narreddy

Summary

In this informative session, Dr. Sunita Naredi, an infectious disease physician, discusses malaria, a serious illness caused by the *Plasmodium* parasite. Highlighting the global impact, with 240 million cases in 2020, she explains symptoms such as fever and fatigue, and emphasizes prevention methods like insecticide-treated nets and prophylactic medications. The video covers diagnosis, treatment options, including artemisinin-based combination therapy, and the importance of addressing potential complications. Finally, Dr. Naredi mentions the recent approval of a malaria vaccine aimed at protecting children in endemic regions, underscoring the need for awareness and proactive health measures.

Takeaways

• 🦟 Malaria is caused by the *Plasmodium* parasite, with *P. falciparum* being the most severe type.
• 🌍 In 2020, malaria affected over 240 million people and caused more than 60,000 deaths, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical regions.
• 🤒 Common symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, fatigue, and in severe cases, jaundice and respiratory issues.
• 🧪 Diagnosis of malaria can be done through traditional blood smears and modern antigen-based tests or PCR methods.
• 🛡️ Prevention strategies include using insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and chemoprophylaxis medications.
• 💊 The gold standard treatment for malaria is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), especially for *P. falciparum*.
• 🧬 Chloroquine was historically used for treatment but is now less effective against many malaria strains.
• 🍼 Congenital transmission, blood transfusions, and organ transplants are alternative routes through which malaria can spread.
• 💉 A malaria vaccine called Mosquirix has been approved for children in high-endemic areas to help prevent childhood malaria.
• 🩺 It's crucial to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate medical advice regarding malaria prevention and treatment.

Q & A

What is malaria and what causes it?

Malaria is an acute febrile illness caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, with five species affecting humans.

What are the most common species of Plasmodium that cause malaria?

The most common species include Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum, with the latter being the most severe.

What were the statistics regarding malaria in 2020?

In 2020, malaria affected approximately 240 million people and resulted in over 60,000 deaths.

What are the primary symptoms of malaria?

Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, fatigue, severe weakness, dark-colored urine, and jaundice.

How is malaria diagnosed?

Malaria can be diagnosed using traditional methods like thick and thin blood smears, or newer tests such as antigen-based tests and PCR.

What preventive measures can be taken against malaria?

Preventive measures include using insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and taking preventive medications (chemoprophylaxis).

How is malaria transmitted?

Malaria is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, but can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from pregnant mothers to their babies.

What are the current treatment options for malaria?

Current treatments include artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and chloroquine, with primaquine used to prevent relapse.

What role does primaquine play in malaria treatment?

Primaquine is used after acute treatment to prevent relapse of malaria and to reduce transmission risk.

What recent development has been made in malaria prevention?

A malaria vaccine called Mosquirix was approved by WHO in October 2021 for children in highly endemic areas to help prevent childhood malaria.