Malaria

Malaria (from Italian mala aria or mal'aria "bad air" rising especially from the swamps) - also called swamp fever or ague - is not specifically notifiable tropical disease that is of single-celled parasites of the genus Plasmodium caused. The disease is now mainly transmitted in the tropics and subtropics by the bite of a female mosquito (mosquito) of the genus Anopheles. Outside these areas, come away by air travelers entrained mosquitoes, the so-called "airport malaria" from. In this case, all persons in the immediate vicinity of airports are at risk, such as airport staff or residents. Except for a transfer by blood transfusion, laboratory accidents and human-to-human transmission is possible only occasionally from mother to unborn child when the placenta is injured (especially during the birth). Man and Anopheles mosquitoes are the only significant reservoir of human pathogenic pathogen Plasmodium dar.

Previously, only four agents as human pathogens: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae. Recent research results indicate, however, that another strain, which previously was considered primarily as for monkeys dangerous, and in greater numbers than previously thought to infect humans can: Plasmodium knowlesi [1] In terms of their disease history and geographical distribution, they differ significantly. Plasmodium falciparum is clinically significant and most threatening pathogens.

The symptoms of malaria are high, recurring to periodic fever, chills, discomfort of the gastrointestinal tract and cramps. Especially in children, the disease can rapidly lead to coma and death.