Introduction

Malaria is one of the most serious infectious disease in the world,  a threat in tropical and sub tropical areas.  A disease caused by parasites which are transmitted from person to person by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, Malaria can be fatal if not acted upon quickly with one of the several anti-malarials that are now widely available.

Understanding Malaria and Its Impact

Plasmodium is responsible for malaria. There are many different strains of this parasite, but the most lethal strain is Plasmodium falciparum.  When inside the human body it infects the liver and red blood cells which leads to fever, chills, sweating, headaches, nausea and tiredness. In more serious cases it can cause the failure of organs, anemia and cerebral problems.

The disease is prevalent in regions of Africa, Asia and South America and therefore prevention and early treatment are essential for both residents and travelers.

Importance of Anti-Malarial Medicines

Anti-malarials are used to both prevent and cure the disease.  They do this by killing different stages of the parasites growth cycle in the host; some kill the blood stage parasite and others the liver stage.

If the medication is given correctly and on time, it will cause fewer problems and can speed up the recovery.

Types of Anti-Malarial Medicines

1. Preventive (Prophylactic) Medicines

They are taken while you are in areas where malaria is a risk and for a period after you leave.  Medicines work by preventing the parasite from getting into your body.

Common preventive medications include:

Chloroquine

Mefloquine

Doxycycline

Atovaquone-proguanil

The drug used will also depend on where you‘re travelling as resistance varies with location.

2. Treatment Medicines

If the disease is diagnosed then treatment must be given straight away. This will be determined by how bad the disease is and which parasite has caused it.

The most widely used treatment today is Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which is a combination of two drugs. By combining two drugs, the effectiveness is increased while resistance should be reduced.

Other treatment options may include:

Quinine

Primaquine

How Anti-Malarial Drugs Work

Malarial drugs work against various stages of the parasitic lifecycle.  Certain drugs kill the parasite while in the red blood cell and relieve symptoms rapidly. Others kill dormant parasites in the liver preventing relapses.

For example,  the ACT drugs quickly kill off parasites in blood, while the primaquine is used to clear hidden forms and prevent relapse,  especially in some types of malaria.

Choosing the Right Medication

Selecting the appropriate anti-malarial drug depends on several factors:

Place of residence: resistance to drugs is geographical

Age and health condition:  certain medicines may not be used for children or pregnant women.

Duration of travel such as longer time periods away from home. This is especially important for longer periods of time away.

Pastmedical history: Allergies and past medic records should be taken into account

It is important to seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking any anti-malarial.

Preventive Measures Beyond Medication

Though medicines are highly effective, they should be used along with other measures of protection. Thus,  for maximum protection, the following can be used:

 Don‘t forget to use mosquito repellent containing DEET or picaridin

Sleeping in the presence of insecticide-treated mosquito nets

The use of clothing such as long sleeved shirts at nighttime.

Those areas with standing water which provide breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Here are some measures that greatly improve the likelihood of avoiding mosquito bites and infection.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Malaria must be diagnosed early to prevent serious consequences.  Should these signs occur after traveling to or living in an endemic region, of malaria,  seek prompt medical advice:

Malaria is diagnosed using rapid diagnostic tests and blood smears. As soon as malaria is diagnosed treatment should be started with most patients making a full recovery.

Drug Resistance: A Growing Concern

The problem of resistance to drugs is one of the major obstacles to controlling malaria,  and malaria parasites have become resistant to some medicines such as chloroquine in many parts of the world.

Therefore, the use of combination therapies,  mainly ACTs is now the standard treatment.  It prevents the development of resistance of one drug to another and increases the chances of treatment success.

Use of anti-malarial drugs must also be responsible (e.g.  Completing the full course of treatment) to prevent and combat resistance.

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Like all medications, anti-malarial drugs may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

Dizziness

Headaches

Sleep problems

In very rare cases, more serious reactions may sometimes occur. It is always advisable to take the prescribed dose and also inform your doctor if any side effects are noticed.

People who should be very careful or seek medical advice before taking any anti-malarial drugs are pregnant women, children and chronic sick people.

Future of Malaria Treatment

And as medicine progresses, so is the treatment and prevention of malaria.  Researchers are developing new drugs and vaccines in order to increase protection and ultimately decrease the number of malaria cases across the world.

International health agencies are striving to eradicated malaria in many parts of the world through enhanced access to drugs, strengthened diagnostic and improved health policy.

Conclusion

Malaria is a life threatening disease and is both preventable and curable. If properly informed and use the available anti-malarial medicines the people can take better care themselves and cure faster in case of infection.

The most effective way to protect yourself is to take the right medications while also being vigilant about simple practical steps such as maintaining mosquito screens and seeking treatment quickly if you develop an infection.  Being educated and prepared, whether you are living in or visiting a malaria risk area, is vital.

Since inception, using protection, prevention and cure at the right time, brings us near to the goal of making the world free from the major disease malaria.