Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium species and transmitted primarily by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Despite considerable progress in malaria control, it remains a major public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review provides a comprehensive overview of malaria, including its epidemiology, etiology, transmission, life cycle, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and preventive strategies. The review highlights the role of different Plasmodium species and mosquito vectors in disease transmission and discusses the pathological mechanisms responsible for severe malaria. Conventional diagnostic methods such as microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests, along with advanced molecular techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), are summarized. Current treatment strategies, particularly artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and emerging concerns regarding antimalarial drug resistance are also discussed. In addition, preventive measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets, indoor residual spraying, environmental management, malaria vaccination, larval control, and community awareness programmes are reviewed. Continued research, improved surveillance, integrated vector management, and equitable access to effective diagnosis, treatment, and preventive interventions are essential for reducing the global malaria burden and achieving the long-term goal of malaria elimination.
Pratheeksha* et al. (Wed,) studied this question.