Malaria: A brief introduction provided by Dr Lynn Fischer, a family doctor in Ottawa.

Malaria: a brief introduction 300-500 million cases annually, worldwide 3-3.5 million deaths annually, mostly children under 5 years old Primarily in rural and sub-Saharan Africa

Malaria: a brief introduction Fewer than 100 cases per year in Canada mostly with people bringing the disease into Canada. Ceased to be endemic in North America in the 1950’s though the mosquito type which carries the disease organism is still present.

Malaria: a brief introduction Some terms you need to know! Vector: the organism that carries the disease to infect another species. In this case it is the mosquito. Host: the organism that carries the disease for a part of its life cycle. Here it is the human.

Malaria: a brief introduction Malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito Caused by a parasitic one celled organism, a protozoan called Plasmodium: 4 types Vivax Malariae Ovale Falciparum 95% of infections caused by the last two combined.

Malaria: a brief introduction The vector (mosquito) passes Plasmodia from its saliva to it’s host (human) while obtaining a blood meal. Part of the parasites life-cycle is spent in the human liver and then infected liver cells are released into the circulation The parasite feeds on the hemoglobin and other proteins in the circulating rbc’s

Malaria: a brief introduction

Malaria: a brief introduction The protozoa multiply in the red blood cells causing the cell to explode (known as cytolysis) Toxic products are released into the bloodstream causing flu-like symptoms such as chills, headache, fever, malaise, and muscle aches in a cyclic pattern Infection may cause anemia or jaundice Falciparum infection can lead to kidney failure, coma and death

Malaria: a brief introduction Here are some red blood cells Malaria: a brief introduction Here are some red blood cells. Look for the plasmodia spores on the surface of the healthy cells. Two cells are infected, one is ruptured.

Malaria: a brief introduction We can prevent the spread of malaria through controlled spraying, the use of permethrin soaked bed nets and possibly in the future, by a vaccine Treatment is possible with drugs such as chloroquine and quinine

Malaria: a brief introduction In conclusion, we can say that Deaths are unnecessary because malaria is preventable and treatable. The lack of prevention and treatment is mainly due to poverty, war, economic and social instability and You can make a difference in many lives!