-
DE
Plasmodium malariae: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Plasmodium malariae is a malaria-causing parasite transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, responsible for quartan malaria with fever recurring every 72 hours.
Add as Preferred SourceThings worth knowing about "Plasmodium malariae"
Plasmodium malariae is a malaria-causing parasite transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, responsible for quartan malaria with fever recurring every 72 hours.
What is Plasmodium malariae?
Plasmodium malariae is a single-celled parasite belonging to the genus Plasmodium and one of five species known to cause malaria in humans. The disease it produces is called quartan malaria, named after its hallmark fever pattern that recurs every 72 hours (every third day). While generally considered less life-threatening than malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, infection with P. malariae can become chronic if left untreated and may lead to serious kidney complications.
Distribution and Transmission
Plasmodium malariae is found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with the highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America. Transmission occurs almost exclusively through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Less commonly, the parasite can be transmitted through blood transfusions, shared needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy or birth (congenital malaria). A distinctive feature of P. malariae is its ability to persist in the human bloodstream for years or even decades at low levels, often without causing symptoms.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of P. malariae involves two hosts:
- The human host (intermediate host): After an infected mosquito bite, sporozoites enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver, where they multiply asexually. The resulting merozoites infect red blood cells (erythrocytes), where further replication takes place. Every 72 hours, infected red blood cells rupture, releasing new merozoites and triggering the characteristic fever cycle.
- The Anopheles mosquito (definitive host): When a mosquito feeds on an infected person, the sexual stage of the parasite's life cycle continues within the mosquito, eventually producing infectious sporozoites.
Symptoms
The incubation period is typically 18 to 40 days, but with P. malariae it can occasionally extend much longer. Common symptoms include:
- Periodic fever occurring in a 72-hour cycle (quartan fever)
- Chills, rigors, and profuse sweating
- Headache and muscle pain
- Fatigue and general malaise
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) in chronic infections
- Nephrotic syndrome: A serious complication in which the parasite damages the kidneys, leading to protein loss in the urine, swelling (oedema), and impaired kidney function
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Plasmodium malariae infection relies on several methods:
- Thick blood film and blood smear microscopy: The gold standard in malaria diagnostics. Stained blood preparations allow identification and differentiation of the parasite species. P. malariae is characteristically identified by band-form trophozoites within infected red blood cells.
- Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Immunological tests that detect malaria-specific antigens. Sensitivity for P. malariae is generally lower than for P. falciparum.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A highly sensitive molecular method for definitive species identification, especially useful when parasite levels are low.
Treatment
Treatment of quartan malaria follows the current recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and national guidelines. Because P. malariae does not form dormant liver stages (hypnozoites), no additional therapy is required to prevent liver-stage relapses.
- Chloroquine: Remains the first-line treatment in most regions, as resistance in P. malariae is rare.
- Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs): Used when chloroquine is unavailable or when co-infection with P. falciparum is suspected.
- Supportive care: Includes antipyretics for fever, adequate hydration, and nephrology-focused management if kidney complications arise.
Prevention
As no approved vaccine exists against P. malariae, prevention relies on personal protective measures against mosquito bites and, for travellers to endemic areas, antimalarial chemoprophylaxis:
- Use of insect repellents (e.g., DEET-based products)
- Sleeping under insecticide-treated bed nets
- Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and trousers) at dawn and dusk
- Pre-travel medical consultation and appropriate antimalarial prophylaxis
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): World Malaria Report 2023. Geneva: WHO Press, 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/teams/global-malaria-programme/reports/world-malaria-report-2023
- Vinetz JM: Plasmodium malariae Infection and its Clinical Relevance. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier, 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Malaria Biology – Plasmodium malariae. Atlanta: CDC, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/biology/index.html
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Skip product gallery
Subscription available
Floral
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®30 lozenges
Regular price:
€22.90
Discount
Subscription available
Lactoferrin 60 Capsules
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
60 Capsules
Sale price:
€50.00
Regular price:
€59.90
Discount
Subscription available
Multivitamin Mineral Complex
Daily basic supply: the complete spectrum of micronutrients
Natural multivitamin complex for the immune system, energy, and central body functions
30 Capsules
Sale price:
€27.90
Regular price:
€29.90
Subscription available
Natural Iron
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
30 Capsules
Regular price:
€35.90
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Magnesiumcarbonat ist eine anorganische Magnesiumverbindung mit säure-neutralisierender (antazidischer) Wirkung. Erfahre mehr über Vorteile, Einsatzgebiete und Unterschiede zu besser resorbierbaren Magnesiumformen.
Calorie content
The choice of food influences our energy intake. The calorie content varies greatly - some provide little energy, others a lot.
Cologne list
The Cologne List ® is an important initiative in competitive sports that offers athletes guidance in the selection of nutritional supplements.