Microbe snapshot: Malaria

Malaria is a vector borne disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium , primarily P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae and P. knowlesi . Despite global efforts, malaria remains a major health burden, with clinical disease ranging from asymptomatic to rapidly deadly. Diagnosis relies on microscopic examination of Giemsa stained smears as the gold standard for parasite detection, speciation and quantification. Rapid diagnostic tests provide timely screening and ease of use, while molecular methods have greatly improved detection of low level parasitemia and species identification. Advances in diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, and prevention are critical to reducing the global burden of malaria.