Malaria.
Malaria has had a greater impact on world history than any other infectious disease. More than 300 to 500 million individuals worldwide are infected with Plasmodium spp, and 1.5 to 2.7 million people a year, most of whom are children, die from the infection. Malaria is endemic in over 90 countries in which 2400 million people live; this represents 40% of the world's population. Approximately 90% of malaria deaths occur in Africa. Despite continuing efforts in vaccine development, malaria prevention is difficult, and no drug is universally effective. This article examines malaria caused by the 4 most common Plasmodium spp that infect humans, P vivax, P ovale, P malariae, and P falciparum, as well as mixed infections and the simian parasite P knowlesi. A comprehensive review of the microbiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of these forms of malaria is given.
LSG & Associates, Santa Monica, CA 90402-2908, USA. Lynnegarcia2@verizon.net <Lynnegarcia2@verizon.net>
Lynne S
LS
Garcia
D000818:Animals; D004351:Drug Resistance; D057232:Global Warming; D006801:Humans; D008288:Malaria / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D017780:Malaria Vaccines / Q000276:immunology; D018512:Parasitemia / Q000175:diagnosis; D010961:Plasmodium / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011379:Prognosis
D017780:Malaria Vaccines