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Malaria

Key Stage 4

A picture of the pathogenic protist 'plasmodia' attached to a red blood cell.

Meaning

Malaria is a disease caused by pathogenic protists called Plasmodia.

About Malaria

The malaria protist lives in the blood of humans and reproduces in the liver.
Malaria can lay dormant, not causing any symptoms, for months at a time.
Malaria causes fevers, liver damage and damage to the red blood cells.
Malaria is transmitted by the mosquito which is referred to as a vector for the pathogen.
Malaria is easily treated. However, people with disorders of the immune system may have repeated instances of illness due to the protist.
People with the genetic disorder; 'Sickle Cell Anemia' have sickle shaped red blood cells which helps prevent malaria infections.

The transmission of malaria can be prevented or reduced by:

  • Killing mosquitos with insecticide.
  • Destroying the habitat of the mosquito. (Areas of stagnant water.)
  • Taking antimalarial drugs.
  • Using mosquito nets that can be placed over beds.

Beyond the Curriculum

References

AQA

Malaria, page 127, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA
Malaria, page 133, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
Malaria, page 45, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Malaria, page 47, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Malaria, page 47, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
Malaria, page 84, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 1, Hodder, AQA
Malaria, pages 84-5, GCSE Biology, Hodder, AQA
Malaria, pages 88-89, 201, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA

Edexcel

Malaria, page 102, GCSE Biology, Pearson, Edexcel
Malaria, page 156, GCSE Biology, CGP, Edexcel
Malaria, page 39, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
Malaria, page 55, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel
Malaria, page 74, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel