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Malaria and people

Invading and destroying red blood cells, sticking inside blood vessels, evading the immune system: the malaria parasite presents numerous dangers to the body. Explore research that aims to understand the human-parasite interaction, and develop vaccines to prevent disease.

Background

Image for Diagnosis of malaria
Malaria is diagnosed using a combination of clinical observations, case history and diagnostic tests. 11/08/04
Image for Early diagnosis and treatment of malaria
Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the number of people suffering severe effects of malaria infection. 11/08/04
Image for Immunity to malaria
The human body's defences against infection with malaria fall, in general terms, into natural (innate) resistance and acquired immunity. 11/08/04
Image for Malaria and pregnancy
Pregnant women are more likely to become infected with the malaria parasite than non-pregnant women, and are at increased risk of suffering severe malaria. 11/08/04
Image for Severe malaria
Severe malaria, the life-threatening form of the disease, is always caused by Plasmodium falciparum. 11/08/04
Image for Treatment of malaria
Uncomplicated malaria can be treated on an outpatient basis, but severe malaria is life threatening and requires urgent medical attention and intensive care. 11/08/04
Image for Uncomplicated malaria
The clinical features of uncomplicated malaria can vary depending on the person's level of immunity. 11/08/04
Adequately and promptly treated, malaria is a curable disease.
               
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