Analysis of Malarial Impact: Understanding Disease Transmission, Epidemiology, and Effects on Fetal Life

Author

Josey Sumpter, Lynn University

Date of Award

8-2024

Document Type

Capstone

Granting Institution

Lynn University

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Program

Biological Science

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

First Advisor

Dr. Cassandra S. Korte

Abstract

Malaria is a significant public health problem which mainly affects malaria endemic regions, such as parts of Africa, South America, and Western Asia. However, all hot and humid environments are susceptible to spread leading to a global scale. Malaria affects an estimated 200 million people each year, with about 600,000 cases resulting in death. Malaria is passed through the bites of infected female anopheles mosquitos, with one of the six Plasmodium genus parasites that are malarial causing. Once the parasite enters the blood stream it infects erythrocytes which can then spread throughout the entire body. Disease is often characterized by fever, nausea, cough, chills, and fatigue. Cases resulting in death are normally caused by severe anemia, acidosis, cerebral malaria, or organ failure. A topic often disregarded is the number of pregnant women exposed and how many fetal lives are compromised due to malarial infections. Thousands of pregnant mothers each year are exposed to malaria, meaning they are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Once bitten by an anopheles mosquito and the Plasmodium infected RBCs spread throughout the body, they can potentially reach the placenta. Infected RBCs can then enter the placenta through sequestration and accumulate within the placental intervillous space. This then results into placental malaria which can cause pre-term birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, Intrauterine Growth Restriction, and developmental issues. While there are many management strategies used to prevent malaria, there has not yet been a treatment found to be completely effective. There is future research needed within preventative mechanisms and treatments for malaria. The rise of a new vaccination known as Mosquirix or RTS, S has proven to be partially effective in treating malaria. Research in a booster dose is currently active and will hopefully lead the way to finding a cure for malaria.

Recommended Citation

Sumpter, J. (2024). Analysis of malarial impact: Understanding disease transmission, epidemiology, and effects on fetal life [Masters capstone, Lynn University]. SPIRAL. https://spiral.lynn.edu/etds/426