In the recent news, an unusual type of malaria, known as Plasmodium ovale, has been detected in a soldier in Kerala. This case is considered out of the ordinary because of the rarity of this specific strain of malaria. This article will provide a detailed analysis of Plasmodium ovale, its symptoms, how it compares to other types of malaria, its prevalence, and the overall impact of malaria in India.
Understanding Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium ovale is one among the five species of malarial parasites, which include Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax (the most common), Plasmodium Malariae, Plasmodium Ovale and Plasmodium Knowlesi. The term ‘ovale’ is derived from the observation that 20% of the parasitised cells take an oval shape. The parasite has the ability to live in the spleen or liver for years after transmission through a mosquito bite, causing the infected person to exhibit symptoms much later.
Symptomology of Plasmodium ovale
The symptoms of Plasmodium ovale infection are quite similar to other malaria strains. They include fever lasting for 48 hours, headache, nausea, but in rare instances, can cause severe illness.
The Similarities between Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax bear significant similarities, and the same treatment protocol is adopted for both. Distinguishing between the two, however, can be challenging and requires careful detection.
Prevalence of Plasmodium ovale
Plasmodium ovale is primarily found in tropical Western Africa, and is not commonly seen outside the region. It accounts for less than 1% of isolates, even in locations where it is present. It has popped up in areas such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, although its occurrence is still considered unusual.
Transmission in India
As per the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), the case in Kerala could be an isolated one, as there have been no local transmissions recorded to date. There is mention of similar sporadic instances in Gujarat, Kolkata, Odisha, and Delhi, but again, no local transmissions were recorded.
The Larger Scenario of Malaria in India
In 2019, India reported 1.57 lakh malaria cases, with 70% being cases of falciparum malaria from high-burden states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh. It’s encouraging to note that the World Malaria Report 2020 shared that malaria cases in India had dropped from around 20 million in 2000 to approximately 5.6 million in 2019.
Malaria: An Overview
Malaria is a disease caused by a protozoan called Plasmodium. The most severe form is caused by Plasmodium falciparum and can be fatal.
The Life Cycle of Plasmodium
The life cycle of Plasmodium involves two hosts – humans and female Anopheles mosquitoes. The Plasmodium spore enters the human body through a mosquito bite, multiplies within liver cells before attacking Red Blood Cells, causing them to rupture and release a toxic substance leading to recurring fevers every three to four days. Once bitten by an infected mosquito, the Plasmodium spore undergoes further development and multiplication in the mosquito’s body before being passed on to the next human victim.
Each year, World Malaria Day is observed on April 25th as one of only four disease-specific global awareness days endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) – alongside HIV-AIDS, TB, Malaria, and Hepatitis.