Deck 55: Epidemiology of Malaria

Question 1

WHO reported that more than 216 million new cases of malaria were diagnosed in the world population in 2016.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Approximately 85% of new cases of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed in children under 5 years of age.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Global estimates of the number of deaths caused by malaria reported by WHO have declined from 1.0 million in 1990 to 730,000 in 2015.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Most malaria cases (98%) are diagnosed in sub-Saharan Africa (86%), Southeast Asia (9%), or the Eastern Mediterranean region (3%).

Question 5

According to WHO data, approximately 98% of new malarial infections in the African population are due to Plasmodium falciparum.

Question 6

Sickle Cell Anemia, an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, protects red blood cells from infection by Plasmodium falciparum.

Question 7

Deficiency in Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), an X-linked trait, protects against infection by Plasmodium falciparum but not Plasmodium vivax.

Question 8

Malaria transmission can be reduced substantially by preventing mosquito bites by distribution of inexpensive mosquito nets and insect repellents or by mosquito-control measures such as spraying insecticides inside houses and draining standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

Question 9

A disturbing feature in the fight against malaria is the development of large scale resistance by Plasmodia falciparum to several anti-malarial drugs, most notably chloroquine.

Question 10

Chloroquine-resistant malaria is most effectively treated using artemisinin-based combinations.

Question 11

Approximately how many people die from malaria each year?

A) 1-2 million
B) 2-3 million
C) 3-4 million
D) 4-5 million

Question 12

Approximately what percentage of deaths from malaria occur in sub-Saharan Africa?

A) 25%
B) 50%
C) 75%
D) 90%

Question 13

Infection by which strain of malaria has the highest case fatality rate?

A) Plasmodium falciparum
B) Plasmodium vivax
C) Plasmodium ovale
D) Plasmodium malariae

Question 14

What percentage of deaths from malaria occur in children under 5 years of age?

A) 25%
B) 50%
C) 75%
D) 85%

Question 15

Which of the following genetic syndromes are protective against malaria?

A) Sickle cell anemia
B) Phenylketonuria
C) G6PD deficiency
D) a and c are correct.
E) a, b, and c are correct.

Question 16

High risk groups for malaria include all of the following except:

A) pregnant women.
B) patients with HIV/AIDS.
C) non-immune travelers in high transmission areas.
D) children less than five years of age.
E) chronic smokers.

Question 17

Which of the following antimicrobial drugs has proven most effective in treating malaria?

A) Quinine
B) Chloroquine
C) HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisinin" \o "Artemisinin" Artemisinin
D) HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artesunate" \o "Artesunate" Artesunate, an HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisinin" \o "Artemisinin" artemisinin derivative

Question 18

A safe, cheap, and effective method of controlling new malarial infections is:

A) spraying DDT.
B) using insecticides.
C) using bed nets.
D) judicious use of anti-malarial drugs.

Question 19

Describe the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum.

Question 20

Describe the global burden of malaria.

Question 21

Discuss pros and cons of using DDT to eradicate mosquitoes.

Question 22

Describe specific characteristics that heighten susceptibility to malarial infection.

Question 23

Discuss genetic resistance to malaria infection.

Question 24

Discuss the development of resistance to anti-malarial drugs by Plasmodia falciparum.

Question 25

Discuss the four major elements of malaria control.

Question 26

Discuss strategies for the global prevention, control and treatment of malaria.