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Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply and then enter the bloodstream, infecting red blood cells. The parasites continue to multiRead more
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasites travel to the liver, where they multiply and then enter the bloodstream, infecting red blood cells. The parasites continue to multiply inside the red blood cells, which eventually burst, releasing more parasites into the bloodstream and causing the symptoms of malaria.
The pathogenicity of malaria is due to the destruction of red blood cells and the release of toxins by the parasites. This can lead to anemia, hypoglycemia, and other complications. In severe cases, malaria can cause organ failure, coma, and death.
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Malaria parasites can be identified by examining under the microscope a drop of the patient’s blood, spread out as a “blood smear” on a microscope slide. Prior to the examination, the specimen is stained (most often with the Giemsa stain) to give the parasites a distinctive appearance. This techniquRead more
Malaria parasites can be identified by examining under the microscope a drop of the patient’s blood, spread out as a “blood smear” on a microscope slide. Prior to the examination, the specimen is stained (most often with the Giemsa stain) to give the parasites a distinctive appearance. This technique remains the gold standard for laboratory confirmation of malaria. However, it depends on the quality of the reagents, of the microscope, and on the experience of the laboratorian
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