Malaria is caused by protozoan. It is wide spread in tropical Africa and south east Asia.
Causative organisms
Malaria is causer by certain species of plasmodium, e.g plasmodium malariae and plasmodium falciparum.
Mode of transmission
The parasites are transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female anopheles mosquitoes.
Symptoms
Malaria is characterized by s cyclic occurrence of chills (violent shaking), fever and profuse sweating. These symptoms occur when the merozoites destroy the red blood cells, causing toxins to be released into the blood. Headache and nausea are the other common symptoms. The secondary effects are mainly anaemia, jaundice and enlargement of the spleen.
Control /prevention
Malaria can be controlled by getting rod of mosquitoes. Certain drugs can also be taken to prevent the parasites from multiplying in the blood. However, these drugs must be taken regularly.
