Is Malaria Caused by Bacteria?
July 22, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
No, malaria is not caused by bacteria. Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite. The specific parasite responsible for malaria is Plasmodium, and there are several species of Plasmodium that can infect humans. The most common and dangerous species that cause malaria in humans are Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi.
When an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a person, it injects the malaria parasites into the person’s bloodstream. The parasites then travel to the liver, where they multiply and mature before entering the red blood cells. Once inside the red blood cells, the parasites continue to multiply, leading to the destruction of the infected blood cells. This cycle of multiplication and destruction of red blood cells is responsible for the characteristic symptoms of malaria, such as fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
Malaria is a significant global health concern, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, and it can be severe or even fatal if not treated promptly and appropriately. Prevention and control measures, such as mosquito control and the use of insecticide-treated bed nets, are essential in regions where malaria is endemic. Additionally, antimalarial medications can help treat and manage malaria infections, reducing the severity and spread of the disease.