How is malaria treated?

Malaria treatment involves a combination of diagnostic measures and therapeutic interventions tailored to the specific Plasmodium species and the severity of the infection.

Key Insights:

Immediate malaria diagnostics, such as microscopy of Giemsa-stained blood films and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), are crucial upon suspicion of malaria, with treatment initiated without delay to prevent complications .
Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria is typically treated with oral artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) or atovaquone/proguanil, while non-falciparum malaria can be treated with chloroquine .
Persistent liver forms of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale require treatment with primaquine after ruling out glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency .
Severe malaria cases are treated with intravenous artesunate, which is more effective than quinine in rapidly reducing parasite density .
Special patient groups, such as pregnant women and children, have modified treatment schedules and drug options, taking into account drug interactions and the role of food in drug absorption .
Combination therapy strategies, including the use of polymer-based carriers and hybrid compounds, are employed to overcome drug resistance, poor bioavailability, and toxicity.
Self-treatment with antimalarials is common in some regions, although often with inappropriate dosages, highlighting the need for improved public health education and access to effective treatment .

Conclusion:

Malaria treatment is a critical and time-sensitive process that relies on accurate diagnosis and appropriate medication. Oral ACTs are the primary treatment for uncomplicated malaria, while severe cases necessitate intravenous artesunate. Special considerations are made for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. The challenge of drug resistance has led to the adoption of combination therapy strategies. Public health efforts must focus on ensuring proper use of antimalarials to prevent misuse and suboptimal dosing.

How is malaria treated?

Summary

Sources and full results

Management of imported malaria in Europe

Imported malaria cases in Europe should be diagnosed and treated immediately, with oral artemisinin combination therapy for uncomplicated cases and intravenous artesunate for complicated cases.

UK malaria treatment guidelines.

The UK malaria treatment guidelines recommend diagnosis and treatment of non-falciparum malaria with oral chloroquine, intravenous quinine for severe cases, and artesunate for mixed infections.

Combination Therapy Strategies for the Treatment of Malaria

Combination therapy, incorporating multiple antimalarials into polymer-based carriers and hybrid compounds, can overcome limitations in current antimalarial treatments and improve malaria treatment outcomes.

The Treatment of Malaria

Malaria treatment in hospitals during the war has shown promising results, with a number of cases successfully treated by physicians with special knowledge of the disease.

Management of malaria in pregnancy

Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria, and prompt management using artemisinin combination treatments (ACTs) is crucial for preventing complications and promoting foetal growth.

Treatment seeking for malaria in Morong, Bataan, the Philippines.

In Morong, Bataan, more than 80% of undiagnosed malaria illnesses were treated with inappropriate dosages, with more adult men than women self-treating and clinic consultations being equally frequent.

Self-treatment of malaria in a rural area of western Kenya.

Self-treatment of malaria in rural western Kenya is common, with 60% treating themselves with herbal remedies or local medicines, and only 18% seeking treatment at health centers or hospitals.

The treatment of malaria.

Increasing drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has led to a shift in malaria treatment, with artemisinin derivatives being the most rapidly acting drugs.

The treatment of malaria

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the main treatment for uncomplicated malaria in the Netherlands, with chloroquine as an alternative for severe cases.

Management of severe malarial infection

Rapid diagnosis, prompt administration of antimalarial drugs, and early recognition of complications can significantly reduce the death rate from severe malaria in infants and children.

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