What causes Malaria ?

The malaria is a protozoan infection endemic in tropical and subtropical countries. Four species of the protozoal parasite Plasmodium cause all infections in human beings and these are: Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium falciparum. The malaria remains the most devastating infection worldwide with around 500 million clinical cases every year.

The symptoms of malaria may be non specific like: high grade fever, lack of sense of well being, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and sometimes chest pain also. The clinical presentation of malaria depends on the species of the parasite, parasite load in the blood circulation, patient's immune status and presence of other diseases. The classical malarial symptoms are fever spikes with chills and rigors at regular intervals. Enlargement of spleen is very common among otherwise healthy individuals in the endemic areas. In untreated cases of malaria, mild jaundice and slight enlargement of liver are also common. The enlargement of spleen and liver may be more pronounced in infants and children. Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe disease and may lead to cerebral malaria, hypoglycemia (low level glucose in blood), lactic acidosis, pulmonary edema swelling of lungs) and impairment of kidney function.