Malaria is a protozoan disease transmitted through mosquito bites that infects over 3 billion people and causes over 1 million deaths annually. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites, notably P. falciparum which is responsible for most deaths. The parasites infect the liver and then red blood cells, multiplying and causing symptoms like fevers and in severe cases, complications affecting vital organs. Treatment of malaria varies by parasite species but increasingly involves artemisinin combination therapy to prevent drug resistance from developing.

9. Relative Incidence of Severe Complications of Falciparum Malaria Complication Nonpregnant Adults Pregnant Women Children Anemia + ++ +++ Convulsions + + +++ Hypoglycemia + +++ +++ Jaundice +++ +++ + Renal failure +++ +++ – Pulmonary edema ++ +++ + Key: –, rare; +, infrequent; ++, frequent; +++, very frequent.

11. Cerebral Malaria

13. Blood film for MP

18. Drugs used in Malaria