How Do You Spell PLASMODIUM MALARIAE?

1. Plasmodium malariae is a species of parasitic protozoan belonging to the Plasmodium genus, known to cause a type of malaria in humans called quartan malaria. It is one of the four species of Plasmodium that can infect humans and is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.

   The lifecycle of Plasmodium malariae involves transmission through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human host, the parasite invades liver cells, where it undergoes reproduction and multiplication. This stage is followed by the release of merozoites into the bloodstream, which then invade red blood cells. The infected red blood cells rupture periodically, typically every 72 hours, causing recurring symptoms of fever, chills, headache, and body aches.

   Plasmodium malariae has a comparatively longer incubation period compared to other species, with symptoms often taking weeks or months to appear. The infection can persist for several years if left untreated. Although quartan malaria is generally considered less severe than other forms of malaria, it can still cause complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

   Diagnosis of Plasmodium malariae infection is carried out through microscopic examination of blood samples, as the parasite can be observed within the infected red blood cells. Treatment usually involves a combination of antimalarial medications, such as chloroquine or artemisinin-based combination therapies, with the aim of eradicating the parasite from both the blood and liver stages.

   Prevention of Plasmodium malariae transmission involves the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, and antimalarial prophylactic medication for individuals traveling to endemic areas.

2. The parasite of quartan malaria.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PLASMODIUM MALARIAE

The word Plasmodium malariae has its origins in both Latin and Greek.

Plasmodium comes from the Greek term plasmodes, meaning formed or molded, which is derived from plassein, meaning to mold. In this context, Plasmodium refers to the higher-level classification of a genus of parasites that can cause various diseases.

Malariae is derived from the Latin word malariam, which means bad air. The term was originally used to describe the disease now known as malaria. It was believed that the disease was caused by inhaling toxic vapors from marshes and swamps. Thus, malariae refers to the specific species of Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria.

Together, Plasmodium malariae can be translated roughly as the molded or shaped parasite that causes malaria.