Best Doctors for Malaria Treatment in Kolkata

Malaria is caused when plasmodium parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes, which become infected after biting a person already infected with malaria. A detailed explanation of the causes is as follows:

• Plasmodium Parasites: Responsible for malaria include Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi.
• Mosquito Transmission: The life cycle of the Plasmodium parasite involves humans and female Anopheles mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a person, it injects sporozoites (a stage of the parasite) into the bloodstream.
• Liver Infection: Sporozoites travel to the liver, where they multiply and mature into merozoites.
• Red Blood Cell Infection: Merozoites are released into the bloodstream, where they invade and multiply within red blood cells, causing these cells to rupture. This rupture releases more merozoites, leading to cycles of fever and other symptoms.
• Transmission to Mosquitoes: When a mosquito bites an infected person during a blood meal, it ingests the parasite, which develops in the mosquito's gut. The mosquito can transmit the parasite to another human when it bites again, completing the transmission cycle.

The main types of malaria:

• Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum): This is the most severe and potentially life-threatening type of malaria. It is responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths worldwide. P. falciparum can lead to complications like cerebral malaria, severe anaemia, and organ failure. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
• Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax): P. vivax malaria can cause recurring or relapsing malaria because the parasite can remain dormant in the liver for extended periods, leading to recurrent bouts of the disease.
• Plasmodium ovale (P. ovale): Similar to P. vivax, P. ovale can also cause relapsing malaria. It is less common than P. vivax.
• Plasmodium malariae (P. malariae): is known for its chronic and long-lasting infections. While generally less severe than P. falciparum, it can still cause significant illness.
• Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi): traditionally found in monkeys but can infect humans and cause malaria. It has the potential to cause severe disease.

Malaria doctors explain that to prevent the spread of malaria, the following measures must be taken:

Use Mosquito Nets: Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets to avoid mosquito bites, especially at night.

• Apply Insect Repellent: On exposed skin and clothing.
• Eliminate Breeding Sites: Like puddles and containers.
• Take Antimalarial Medications: Take prescribed prophylactic drugs in a high-risk area.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover arms and legs, especially during peak mosquito activity times.
• Stay Indoors: Minimize outdoor activity during dusk and dawn.
• Screen Windows and Doors: Install screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.

Malaria primarily affects the red blood cells, spleen, and liver. When the Plasmodium parasites enter the bloodstream, they invade and multiply within red blood cells, leading to the rupture of infected cells. This causes a release of more parasites into the bloodstream, resulting in cycles of fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms characteristic of malaria. The spleen plays a vital role in filtering and removing damaged red blood cells, including those infected with the parasites. In malaria, the spleen may become enlarged and overactive, potentially leading to anaemia. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent organ damage and complications associated with malaria.