Question

Malaria

1.     Why does this problem exist in this society?

2.     How did this happen?

3.     Where did this happen?

4.     What are the risks for the community in the future?

5.     What are/were the etiological factors?

Answer 1

1.Plasmodium is a parasite which is widely distributed all over the world. Because it requires warm, humid environments for replication in the insect vector ,malaria generating species of plasmodium are generally limited to tropical and sub-tropical locations. Global warming and population migrations do have a bearing on Plasmodium distribution. Plasmodium falciparum is the most widespread in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Plasmodium ovale is most prevalent in the west coast region of Africa. Plasmodium malaraie has a widespread distribution area but is fairly scattered within this area. Plasmodium vivax ,like falciparum, ranges over a wide area, but in relatively rare in African countries. A number of methods of control have been tested and some ,including use of DDT have proved worthwhile, but drug resistance and other health concerns make some of these methods.

2 Despite extensive studies on possible control methods ,infection in humans continue to grow in topic and sub-tropic areas. There are four types of Plasmodium, all of these are transmitted to human hosts solely by way of Anophele mosquito vectors. Plasmodium is one of the oldest known parasites and has a long adaptive relationship with the human host.

3Today's cases of the disease are increasing in non-malarious countries as more people travel to Africa, India, Brazil and some Asian nations where the mosquito vectors are more prevalent. Symptoms of these disease often goes undiagnosed.

4Malaria is a significant contributor to child mortality. It severely reduces am individuals ability to work/obtain an income. Africa spends 25% of their annual income on Malaria.

5.Etiological factors are genetic factors which include sickle cell trait, alpha-thalassemia, and blood groups.

Innate immunity factors such as plasma factors, innate cellular responses and activated macrophages. and acwuired immunity factors.