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Health: Malaria


Below is a directory of terms used to talk about malaria. Most definitions have been taken from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).





The presence of parasites in the blood. The term can also be used to express the quantity of parasites in the blood (e.g., "a parasitemia of two per cent").


Bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi can cause disease.


A type of white blood cell that can engulf and destroy foreign organisms, cells and particles. Phagocytes are an important part of the immune system.


The genus of the parasite that causes malaria, four species of which infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum, P vivax, P ovale and P malariae.


Small, irregularly-shaped bodies in the blood that contain granules. These cells are important components of the blood clotting system.


Literally meaning having more than one form. In terms of genes it means that there are several variants (alleles) of a particular gene that occur simultaneously in a population.

Presumptive treatment

Treatment of clinically suspected cases without, or prior to, results from confirmatory laboratory tests.


See "chemoprophylaxis."


Single-celled organism that can perform all necessary functions of metabolism and reproduction. Some protozoa are free-living, while others, including malaria parasites, parasitise other organisms for their nutrients and life cycle.


A class of insecticides derived from the natural pyrethrins; used to treat bednets.