Understanding Plasmodium Vivax and P. Ovale: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Recurring Malaria Parasites

Plasmodium Vivax & P. Ovalae

Benign tertian; episodes of chills and fever every 48 hours

Plasmodium vivax and P. ovale are two species of protozoan parasites that cause malaria in humans. Here are some details about each:

Plasmodium vivax:
– This is one of the most common species of malaria parasites, found mainly in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
– It is transmitted by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
– P. vivax causes a recurring form of malaria, where the infected person experiences episodes of fever and chills that come and go every few days.
– The parasite can remain dormant in the liver for years, causing relapses of the disease.
– While P. vivax malaria is not usually fatal, it can still cause severe illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems.

Plasmodium ovale:
– This species of malaria parasite is less common than P. vivax, and is found mainly in West Africa.
– Like P. vivax, it is transmitted by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
– P. ovale also causes a recurring form of malaria, but the relapses tend to be less frequent than with P. vivax.
– The parasite can also remain dormant in the liver, and relapses can occur months or even years after the initial infection.
– P. ovale malaria is generally less severe than P. vivax malaria, but can still cause complications in some people.

Treatment for both P. vivax and P. ovale malaria typically involves a combination of antimalarial medications, depending on the severity of the infection. Prevention involves avoiding mosquito bites (e.g. using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and sleeping under mosquito nets), eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed, and taking prophylactic antimalarial medication in high-risk areas.

More Answers: