Quartan malaria

Definition

Quartan malaria is a type of malaria caused by the Plasmodium malariae parasite, characterized by fever cycles occurring every 72 hours (three days). It is less common than other forms of malaria but can cause chronic infection if untreated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quartan malaria is transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
2. The causative agent, Plasmodium malariae, has a life cycle that includes both human and mosquito hosts.
3. Symptoms include recurring fevers, chills, sweats, headache, nausea, and general malaise.
4. Diagnosis often involves blood smears to identify the presence of P. malariae parasites in red blood cells.
5. Treatment typically includes antimalarial medications such as chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.

Related terms

Plasmodium vivax: A species of Plasmodium that causes tertian malaria with fever cycles every 48 hours.

Anopheles mosquito:

The primary vector responsible for transmitting various types of malaria including quartan.

Chloroquine:

An antimalarial medication commonly used to treat infections caused by Plasmodium species.