Malaria Test (Slide)

Service Description

Malaria Parasite Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Main Species That Infect Humans: Plasmodium falciparum – Most severe; can be life-threatening Plasmodium vivax – Common; can cause relapses Plasmodium malariae – Less common, milder Plasmodium ovale – Rare, causes relapsing infections Plasmodium knowlesi – Found in Southeast Asia; can be severe How It Works: The parasite enters the bloodstream, travels to the liver, multiplies, and then infects red blood cells, causing cycles of fever, chills, and anemia. Diagnosis: Blood smear microscopy Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) like MPDA (Malaria Antigen test) Treatment: Antimalarial drugs like artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), chloroquine, or primaquine, depending on the type and region. Malaria is preventable and treatable, but early detection is crucial .