The History of Plasmodium Vivax

Plasmodium vivax is a common parasite which causes the disease known as Malaria. Malaria afflicts millions of people world wide every year, many of whom do not manifest symptoms right away. If you have been to a malarial region, or are planning a visit to one, knowing the history and manifestations of Plasmodium vivax is an important step in safeguarding your health.

Pre-History

• Plasmodium vivax, and its cousins, are a group of parasites which are carried by mosquitoes. One genetic response to malaria is sickle cell anemia; a genetic anomaly in which the red blood cells are banana (or sickle) shaped. The shape of the cells deters the plasmodium parasite from establishing colonies in the red blood cells, thus making some Africans resistant to malaria. Obviously, if the body has developed a defense against malaria, Plasmodium vivax must have been around for quite some time.

Regions

• Malarial parasites like Plasmodium vivax are prevalent in tropical and semi-tropical climates, such as the Mediterranean and the rain-forest areas of South America, Asia and Africa. Because mosquitoes are essential to the transmission of malaria, some cultures have discovered that if they drain nearby swamps and pools of semi-stagnant or stagnant water, the incidences of malaria decrease. For example, Roman engineers drained several swamps near Rome in the early days of the republic and the populace boomed in the following centuries.

Infection

• Plasmodium vivax eggs are released in mid- to late-stage malaria victims. These victims are usually bitten by mosquitoes who then ingest the eggs as part of their blood feast. The eggs hatch in the body of the mosquito and remain within the mosquito but do not affect the insect (since it is not the intended victim of the parasite). When a mosquito bites an uninfected victim, the larvae are injected along with the pain-deadening saliva.

  Once in the body, the larvae migrate to the liver where they replicate. After a while (timing varies greatly from days to years), a sac forms filled with Plasmodium vivax burst, releasing semi-mature Schizonts which then infect red blood cells, causing the schizonts to mature, replicate, and burst the blood cells, releasing more parasites. These parasites now produce eggs which starts the life cycle all over again.

Symptoms

• There are "cold" and "hot" stages involved with malaria. Cold stages include shaking, chills and a fever. Soon afterward, the person progresses to the "hot" stage where nausea, high fever, body aches, and delirium may occur. If left untreated, the victim may even be completely incapacitated, become anemic, and die from the disease.

Prevention/Solution

• Before traveling to a region where Plasmodium vivax may be present, you should speak to a physician about preventative medication. Anti-malarial drugs should be taken before, during, and after visiting a malarial region. Also, most physicians and the Centers for Disease Control recommend that you use an insect repellent to ward of mosquitoes. If a mosquito net is available, and in good repair, use it to prevent bites while you sleep.