What are the 5 Types of Malaria?

A Closer Look at the Four Malaria-Causing Parasites

Mosquitoes buzzing around us are not just annoying little insects but are also carriers of a deadly parasite that causes malaria. Anopheles female mosquitoes, in particular, that thrive in hot and humid tropical regions and breed in stagnant puddles of water, are the major transmitters of malaria-causing parasites.

The Plasmodium parasite, as it is called, is widespread in different variants that range from causing minor fever to chronic brain damage.

Keep scrolling to learn more about the different variants of malaria, their extent of threat, and commonly occurring symptoms.

Understanding the Different Types of Malaria

The Plasmodium parasite is the predominant cause of malaria in humans, which is carried by its vector, recognised as the Anopheles female mosquito. There are a total of 5 variants of this parasite, out of which only 4 are known to affect humankind.

The following are the variants of malaria that are widespread among humans:

1. Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria

Plasmodium falciparum is the most severe and life-threatening type of malaria. It accounts for the highest number of malaria-related deaths globally, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This strain progresses rapidly and can lead to serious complications such as cerebral malaria, kidney failure, anaemia, and respiratory distress.

Symptoms typically appear 9 to 14 days after being bitten. These may include high fever, severe chills, vomiting, headaches, muscle pain, and, in extreme cases, confusion or loss of consciousness. If not treated promptly, it can result in coma or death.

Unlike some other types, P. falciparum does not relapse after treatment. However, it has a higher resistance to certain antimalarial drugs, which makes treatment more challenging. Immediate medical attention is essential to prevent fatal outcomes.

2. Plasmodium Vivax Malaria

Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed form of malaria and is common in Asia, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East. Although generally less deadly than P. falciparum, it can still cause serious illness and recurrent infections.

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 17 days after the mosquito bite. Common symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, and heavy sweating. A key feature of P. vivax is its ability to lie dormant in the liver for extended periods, causing relapses months or even years after the initial infection.

Treatment involves a combination of standard antimalarial drugs and liver-stage medication. Doctors often prescribe primaquine to eliminate dormant parasites and prevent future relapses.

3. Plasmodium ovale malaria

Plasmodium ovale is a less common form of malaria, primarily found in West Africa and some Pacific islands. It closely resembles P. vivax in behaviour, especially in its ability to remain dormant in the liver and cause relapses.

Symptoms usually develop 12 to 20 days after infection and include fever, chills, sweating, muscle pain, and fatigue. While symptoms are often milder compared to P. falciparum, timely and complete treatment is still crucial to avoid transmission and complications.

Treatment protocols for P. ovale are similar to those for P. vivax, involving antimalarial drugs and liver-clearing medications such as primaquine.

4. Plasmodium malariae malaria

Plasmodium malariae is the rarest of the four types. It typically causes a milder but longer-lasting illness. This species is found in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America.

One unique characteristic of P. malariae is its 72-hour fever cycle, where symptoms like fever and chills occur every third day. The infection can persist at low levels in the bloodstream for years if left untreated. Long-term complications may include chronic kidney conditions, such as nephrotic syndrome.

Unlike P. vivax and P. ovale, P. malariae does not have a dormant liver stage, making the chances of relapse low. However, full treatment is still essential to eliminate the parasite and prevent chronic infection.

Malaria is not a single disease but a group of infections caused by four distinct Plasmodium species. Each type varies in terms of symptoms, severity, and treatment.

5.  Plasmodium knowlesi

Plasmodium knowlesi is widespread among macaques. Although it can be transmitted from monkeys to humans via mosquito bites, it is not as prevalent as the above-mentioned variants of malaria.

Treatment And Medication For Malaria

Here is an overview of the treatment process and medication for malaria:

• The treatment for malaria begins with the diagnosis of the disease, which includes a blood test that indicates the presence and variant of the Plasmodium parasite in the human blood.
• After the confirmation of its presence, medicated drugs are prescribed, considering the age and immunity of the patient.
• Post-diagnosis, doctors usually prescribe chloroquine phosphate and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) to people suffering from different variants of malaria.
• ACT is a combination of two or more drugs to eliminate the parasite causing malaria, and its effects tend to vary across individuals.

Self-medication is dangerous. A proper diagnosis is essential to identify the malaria species and ensure the correct treatment is used. Incorrect treatment can lead to treatment failure, severe illness, drug side effects, and contribute to drug resistance.