Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology

An Overview on Malaria and its Impact on Public Health

Berlin Eppler^* Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA
^*Correspondence: Berlin Eppler, Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA, Email:

Received: 21-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-23152; Editor assigned: 24-Jul-2023, Pre QC No. JBP-23-23152 (PQ); Reviewed: 07-Aug-2023, QC No. JBP-23-23152; Revised: 14-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. JBP-23-23152 (R); Published: 21-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2155-9597.23.S23.069

Description

Malaria, a deadly vector-borne disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, has plagued humanity for centuries. Despite significant progress in recent decades, it remains a major global health challenge, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Malaria is endemic in many parts of the world, with a particularly heavy burden in sub-Saharan Africa. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 229 million cases of malaria worldwide in 2019, leading to approximately 409,000 deaths [1-3]. Africa accounted for a staggering 94% of these cases and deaths, with children under the age of five and pregnant women being the most vulnerable populations.

Transmission and lifecycle

Understanding the transmission and lifecycle of the Plasmodium parasite is essential in the fight against malaria. When an infected female Anopheles mosquito bites a human host, it injects the parasite into the bloodstream [4]. The parasite then travels to the liver, where it matures and multiplies. Afterward, it re-enters the bloodstream, leading to the classic symptoms of malaria, including fever, chills, and fatigue. If left untreated, malaria can lead to severe complications, such as cerebral malaria, organ failure, and death [5].

Impact on public health

Malaria has far-reaching consequences for public health, economies, and social well-being. It is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many malaria-endemic countries, straining healthcare systems and reducing productivity [6]. The disease has a particularly devastating impact on children, causing developmental delays and hindering their ability to thrive.

In endemic regions, the burden of malaria extends beyond health. Families affected by malaria often face financial hardships due to treatment costs and lost income from illness [7-9]. Additionally, malaria perpetuates the cycle of poverty, as those living in high-risk areas are less likely to have access to education and economic opportunities.

Efforts to combat malaria

Over the years, numerous organizations, governments, and researchers have joined forces to combat malaria. Some of the key strategies and interventions include:

Insecticide-treated bed nets: The distribution of insecticidetreated bed nets has been a cornerstone of malaria prevention efforts. These nets provide a physical barrier against mosquito bites and reduce the risk of transmission, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

Indoor residual spraying: Indoor spraying with insecticides helps to kill mosquitoes that rest indoors after feeding, further reducing the risk of transmission.

Antimalarial drugs: The development and distribution of effective antimalarial drugs have played a critical role in treating and controlling the disease. Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) are currently the recommended treatment for uncomplicated malaria.

Vector control: Ongoing research focuses on developing innovative methods for controlling mosquito populations, such as genetically modified mosquitoes or biological control agents.

Education and community engagement: Raising awareness about malaria prevention and treatment is essential to changing behaviors and reducing transmission. Community health workers play a vital role in educating communities and providing early diagnosis and treatment [10].

Challenges in malaria control

Despite these efforts, malaria control faces several challenges:

Drug resistance: The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium strains, particularly in Southeast Asia, threatens the effectiveness of antimalarial drugs.

Insecticide resistance: Some mosquito populations have developed resistance to commonly used insecticides, making vector control efforts less effective.

Funding gaps: Sustaining malaria control programs requires consistent funding, which can be challenging to secure, especially in low-resource settings.

Climate change: Climate change can alter the distribution of malaria vectors, potentially exposing new populations to the disease.

Access to healthcare: Many communities affected by malaria have limited access to healthcare services, hindering early diagnosis and treatment.

Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in regions where it is endemic. While progress has been made in reducing the burden of the disease, much work remains to be done to achieve the goal of malaria elimination. Efforts to combat malaria require a multi-faceted approach, including vector control, access to effective treatment, community engagement, and on-going research and innovation.

References

1. Doolan D, Dobano C, Baird J. Acquired immunity to malaria. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2009;22(1):13-36.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

2. Ranson H, Lissenden N. Insecticide resistance in African anopheles mosquitoes: A worsening situation that needs urgent action to maintain malaria control. Trends Parasitol. 2016;32(3):187-196.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

3. Blasco B, Leroy D, Fidock DA. Antimalarial drug resistance: Linking Plasmodium falciparum parasite biology to the clinic. Nat Med. 2017;23(8):917-928.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

4. Phyo AP. Declining efficacy of artemisinin combination therapy against P. falciparum malaria on the Thai-Myanmar border (2003-2013): The role of parasite genetic factors. Clin Infect Dis. 2016;63(6):784-791.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

5. Balikagala B. Evidence of artemisinin-resistant malaria in Africa. N Engl J Med. 2021;385(13):1163-1171.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

6. Stanisic DI, Barry AE, Good MF. Escaping the immune system: How the malaria parasite makes vaccine development a challenge. Trends Parasitol. 2013;29(12):612-622.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

7. Bijker EM. Protection against malaria after immunization by chloroquine prophylaxis and sporozoites is mediated by preerythrocytic immunity. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2013;110(19):7862-7867.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

8. Barry AE. Contrasting population structures of the genes encoding ten leading vaccine-candidate antigens of the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. PLoS ONE. 2009;4(12): e8497.

   [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]

9. Neafsey DE. Genetic diversity and protective efficacy of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(21):2025-2037.

   [Google Scholar][PubMed]

10. Genton B. A recombinant blood-stage malaria vaccine reduces Plasmodium falciparum density and exerts selective pressure on parasite populations in a phase 1-2b trial in Papua New Guinea. J Infect Dis. 2002;185(6):820-827.

    [Crossref][Google Scholar][PubMed]