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Malaria

An evidence-led guide to parasite species, transmission, urgent diagnosis, and treatment tailored to severity, resistance, and relapse risk.

malaria

MONDO:0005136Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 571fa36e74fb

Disease class
Malaria is an infection caused by Plasmodium parasites.
Core mechanism
It is transmitted mainly through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
Genes or cause
Plasmodium falciparum malaria can progress rapidly to severe disease, making diagnostic and treatment delay dangerous.
Typical features
Fever, chills, headache, and fatigue are common, but symptoms alone cannot confirm malaria.
Variability
Young children, pregnant people, nonimmune travelers, and immunocompromised people have higher risk of severe disease.
Diagnosis
Suspected cases require prompt parasite-based testing by blood smear or rapid diagnostic test.
Management
Blood smears confirm infection, assess species and parasitemia, and monitor treatment response.
Treatment and research
Treatment is selected by parasite species, regional resistance, severity, age or weight, and pregnancy status.
Reading evidence
Artemisinin-based combination therapy is central to treatment of falciparum malaria.
Key caution
Severe malaria requires emergency hospitalization and intravenous antimalarial treatment.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a glance

Malaria is an infection caused by Plasmodium parasites.

Fever, chills, headache, and fatigue are common, but symptoms alone cannot confirm malaria.

How the disease works

It is transmitted mainly through bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria can progress rapidly to severe disease, making diagnostic and treatment delay dangerous.

Why experiences vary

Young children, pregnant people, nonimmune travelers, and immunocompromised people have higher risk of severe disease.

Diagnosis and management

Suspected cases require prompt parasite-based testing by blood smear or rapid diagnostic test.

Treatment status

Blood smears confirm infection, assess species and parasitemia, and monitor treatment response.

Treatment is selected by parasite species, regional resistance, severity, age or weight, and pregnancy status.

Reading clinical trials

Clinical status and parasitemia are reassessed after treatment to evaluate response and possible failure.

Topics for a clinical visit

Clinical discussion should distinguish travel or exposure, onset, species and parasitemia, severity criteria, and treatment and follow-up plans.

Medical notice

This material is for disease education and is not a personal diagnosis or treatment instruction.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.