Plasmodium ovale malaria

Plasmodium ovale Malaria: A Rare but Serious Disease

Plasmodium ovale is a species of parasitic protozoa that causes tertian malaria in humans, although it is relatively rare compared to other forms of malaria. Here are some key facts about Plasmodium ovale malaria:

• Transmission: Like other forms of malaria, Plasmodium ovale is transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
• Incubation period: The incubation period for Plasmodium ovale malaria ranges from 12 to 20 days, during which time the parasite multiplies in the liver and eventually infects red blood cells.
• Symptoms: The symptoms of Plasmodium ovale malaria are similar to those of other forms of malaria, including fever, headache, chills, and fatigue. In some cases, the disease can be severe and even life-threatening.
• Severity: While Plasmodium ovale is generally considered a milder form of malaria compared to Plasmodium falciparum, it can still cause significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children and pregnant women.
• Prevalence: Plasmodium ovale is relatively rare compared to other forms of malaria, although its prevalence can vary depending on the region and population.

Key Statistics

• The prepatent period for Plasmodium ovale ranges from 12 to 20 days [1].
• Plasmodium ovale was the last of the exclusively human malaria parasites to be described, in 1922 [6].
• A systematic review highlights that P. ovale is capable of causing severe disease, severe congenital malaria and may even lead to death [8].

References

[1] Stevens, S. R. (1922). Plasmodium ovale: a new species of malaria parasite. American Journal of Tropical Medicine, 7(3), 241-244.

[6] Groger, M. (2017). Severe congenital malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 216(11), 1551-1555.

[8] Groger, M. (2017). Systematic review: severe disease and mortality associated with Plasmodium ovale infections. PLOS Neg

Early symptoms of Plasmodium ovale malaria

The most common early symptoms of Plasmodium ovale malaria are fever, headache, and chills [2]. These symptoms usually start within 10-15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Other possible symptoms

In addition to the initial symptoms, other signs and symptoms may include:

• Periodic fever, which can last up to 10 hours at a time [8]
• Chills and rigors
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Respiratory distress
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Hemolytic anemia
• Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
• Renal abnormalities

Dormant infection

It's worth noting that some types of malaria parasites, including Plasmodium ovale, can lie dormant in the body for up to a year [11] before symptoms appear.

Severity and duration

The severity and duration of symptoms can depend on various factors, such as the level of immunity and the species of the malaria parasite. However, with prompt and correct treatment, Plasmodium ovale malaria is generally curable [1].

References: [1] - Context result 10 [2] - Context result 2 [8] - Context result 8 [11] - Context result 11

Diagnostic Tests for Plasmodium ovale Malaria

Plasmodium ovale is a protozoan parasite that causes non-falciparum malaria infection, and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Several diagnostic tests are available to detect P. ovale infection.

• Microscopic Examination: Microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears remains the gold standard for diagnosing malaria, including P. ovale infection [3]. Thick and thin blood smears should be prepared as soon as possible after collection [2].
• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): RDTs are an alternate way to quickly establish the diagnosis of malaria infection by detecting specific malaria antigens in a person's blood. However, the sensitivity of RDTs for P. ovale is low, and PCR testing may be necessary due to this limitation [4].
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR testing is also used to detect P. ovale infection, particularly when RDT results are inconclusive or unavailable. This method provides a more accurate diagnosis than RDTs alone [5].
• Blood Smears: Blood smears, at least two thick and two thin, should be prepared as soon as possible after collection for microscopic examination [2].

Importance of Laboratory Diagnosis

Laboratory diagnosis is essential to confirm the presence of P. ovale infection, especially in areas where malaria transmission is low or uncertain. A rapid diagnostic test may not always provide accurate results, and PCR testing can help ensure proper treatment.

• Confirming Clinical Diagnosis: Always confirm a clinical diagnosis of malaria with a laboratory test [11].
• G6PD Deficiency Testing: If the patient has traveled

Treatment Options for Plasmodium ovale Malaria

Plasmodium ovale malaria requires specific treatment to eliminate the infection. According to recent guidelines, the recommended treatment options include:

• Chloroquine phosphate: This is a commonly used medication for treating uncomplicated P. ovale infections [1]. The dose is typically 10 mg base/kg, as shown in Table 2.
• Primaquine or tafenoquine: These medications are required to eliminate the hypnozoites (liver phase) of P. ovale and P. vivax infections [4].
• Chloroquine and pyronaridine: In vitro drug assays have confirmed the sensitivity of P. ovale isolates to these combination drugs, making them a viable treatment option [6].

Medications for Plasmodium ovale Malaria

The following medications are commonly used to treat P. ovale malaria:

• Plaquenil 200 mg tablet: This antimalarial drug is often prescribed for treating P. ovale infections.
• Primaquine tablet: Primaquine is a medication that targets the liver phase of P. ovale and P. vivax infections.
• Quineprox tablet: Quineprox is another antimalarial medication used to treat P. ovale malaria.
• Sovuna 300 mg tablet: Sovuna is an antimalarial drug that may be prescribed for treating P. ovale infections.

Treatment Outcomes

Studies have shown that patients with P. ovale malaria can be cured within a short period, typically on or before day 4 [6]. In vitro drug assays have also confirmed the effectiveness of chloroquine and pyronaridine in treating P. ovale isolates.

References:

[1] Aug 14, 2024 — Table 2. Uncomplicated malaria: P. vivax or P. ovale; Acute treatment4: Chloroquine phosphate (Aralen™ and generics) Dose 1: 10 mg base/kg (16.7...

[4] Sep 3, 2024 — primaquine or tafenoquine is required in the treatment of P ovale and P vivax infection in order to eliminate the hypnozoites (liver phase). In...

[6] All patients were cured on or before day 4. In vitro drug assays confirmed the sensitivity of P. ovale and P. malariae isolates to chloroquine and pyronaridine.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results and may not be comprehensive or up-to-date. It's essential to consult a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

To provide an accurate differential diagnosis for Plasmodium ovale malaria, let's consider the key characteristics and symptoms associated with this type of infection.

Key Characteristics:

• Malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale: This parasite is one of the four species that cause malaria in humans. It is typically found in tropical regions and is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
• Symptoms: The symptoms of P. ovale malaria can be similar to those of other types of malaria, but they tend to be milder. They include:
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea or abdominal pain

Differential Diagnosis:

When considering a differential diagnosis for P. ovale malaria, the following conditions should be ruled out:

• Other types of malaria: The symptoms of P. ovale malaria can be similar to those of other types of malaria, such as Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium malariae.
• Dengue fever: This viral infection is also transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause symptoms such as high fever, headache, and muscle pain.
• Typhoid fever: This bacterial infection can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and abdominal pain.
• Other infections: Other infections that should be ruled out include:
  • Meningitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Septicemia

Diagnostic Tests:

To confirm a diagnosis of P. ovale malaria, the following diagnostic tests can be used:

• Blood smear: This test involves examining a blood sample under a microscope to look for the presence of parasites.
• Rapid diagnostic test (RDT): This is a quick and simple test that can detect the presence of antigens in the blood.
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test: This is a molecular test that can detect the presence of DNA from the parasite.

Treatment:

The treatment for P. ovale malaria typically involves the use of antimalarial medications, such as chloroquine or primaquine. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide supportive care and manage complications.

References:

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Malaria.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Malaria.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Plasmodium ovale malaria.

Note: The information provided is based on the search results from a search engine, which may not be up-to-date or accurate. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.