Malaria—vector-borne death

Abstract

Over the last eight decades, malaria has been virtually eliminated in the First World, but it remains a significant problem in Southeast Asia, and it is a scourge in Africa.  As such, much of the world’s focus is on other diseases.  The purpose of this paper is to refamiliarize clinicians worldwide about this deadly disease that has become virtually synonymous with Africa but is of little more than historical significance for First World countries.  Included is a brief review of the biology of Plasmodium species, including the lifecycle involving humans, the typical clinical presentation, and a section on current controversies in malaria diagnosis and management.  There is a review of some promising therapies and approach to this disease that still kills over half a million people every year, predominantly in Africa.  The intent of this paper is to serve as an overview for the clinician who desires to keep up with this disorder that he is only likely to encounter in foreign travelers or recent immigrants from low to middle income countries (LMIC) or intends to lead a group into a LMIC. This is not intended to be an exhaustive review of any particular area of malaria biology, control, treatment, etc.