Malaria and Modes of Transmission

Abstract

Background: Malaria is one of the most significant parasitic diseases, with a history dating back to ancient
times, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. It remains a serious public health challenge today. The
disease is caused by the Plasmodium parasite and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female
Anopheles mosquito. Clinical manifestations include intermittent fever, chills, anemia, splenomegaly, and, in
severe cases, multiple organ failure and death. The growing resistance of the parasite to antimalarial drugs and
the resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides have made disease control increasingly difficult. Objective: This
study aims to examine the parasite’s life cycle, transmission methods, clinical symptoms, and factors influencing
malaria prevalence to propose effective strategies for its prevention and control. Methods: This study is a review
based on the analysis of scientific articles, specialized books, reports from the World Health Organization, and
other credible sources. Data were systematically collected from scientific databases and selected based on
their relevance and credibility. Results: Malaria is caused by four Plasmodium species: Plasmodium ovale,
Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium falciparum, with P. falciparum being the most
pathogenic and lethal. The parasite’s life cycle includes two main stages: Schizogony in the vertebrate host
and sporogony in the mosquito vector. While the primary mode of malaria transmission is through Anopheles
mosquito bites, alternative transmission routes include blood transfusion, organ transplantation, contaminated
needles, and congenital transmission. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and water sources,
along with human factors such as race, age, occupation, and socioeconomic status, significantly influence
malaria prevalence. Conclusion: Malaria remains a major global health threat. Effective control requires a
multifaceted approach, including insecticide application, bed net utilization, stagnant water management, rapid
diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. International collaboration, vaccine development, improved antimalarial
drugs, and increased public awareness are crucial in reducing malaria transmission. Ultimately, with scientific
advancements and comprehensive public health interventions, the incidence of malaria can be significantly
reduced, and eradication may become a realistic goal in the future.