Pathophysiology of Severe Malaria Infection
Franklyn Okechukwu Ohiagu, Paul Chidoka Chikezie, Clinton C. Ahaneku, Chinwendu M. Chikezie, Favour C. Law-Obi
Abstract
Background: Malaria infection is a multisystem pathology with various clinical complications in both adults and children. The clinical manifestation originates in humans following the invasion of erythrocytes by merozoites. Methods: The relevant information and data was collated from scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Mendeley, Springer Link, and Medline using keywords such as ‘severe malaria infection’, ‘pathophysiology of severe malaria’, ‘complications of severe malaria’ and ‘erythrocyte impairment in severe malaria’. Results: Generally speaking, the pathophysiology of severe malaria infection encompasses a succession of stages involving the metabolic products of the malaria parasites inclusive of hemoglobin digestion, damaged erythrocyte membrane components, the actions of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the cytoadherence of the malaria parasites to the vascular endothelium as well as sequestration and rosetting. The major complications connected with severe malaria infection include acute respiratory distress syndrome, neurological disorders resulting from cerebral malaria, liver and kidney dysfunction, anaemia and thrombocytopenia, and fatal placental malaria. Conclusion: The effective management of severe malaria infection involves a proper diagnosis followed by the subjection of the patient to suitable antimalarial treatment with the necessary medications depending on the various clinical manifestations of the infection.