The diagnostics and treatment of tropical diseasesStitt, E. R. (Edward Rhodes)
Science
The diagnostics and treatment of tropical diseases
Stitt, E. R. (Edward Rhodes)
Tropical medicine
Craig thinks that as the result of the conjugation of two young
schizonts a more resisting parasite is evolved, which under
favorable circumstances for its development may start anew a
nonsexual cycle.
=Latent Malaria.=—The persistence of a malarial infection, in
the absence of clinical and to a great extent of laboratory
manifestations, is shown by the occurrence of relapses, so that
the section treating of malarial relapses applies equally to this
paragraph. In addition to the factors influencing relapses, such
as exposure to sun, rain and excesses of various kinds, we note
a particular tendency for a latent malaria to develop activity
following surgical operations and childbirth. In untreated latent
cases we may have delayed healing of surgical operations.
In another paragraph there is noted the importance of examining
placental smears for evidence of a latent malarial infection.
Persons returning to a cool climate from the tropics, who may not
have shown evidence of active malaria for months, may come down
with a paroxysm upon encountering cool weather (refrigeration).
Latency may be complete or there may be vague manifestations of ill
health such as anorexia, malaise, irritability, headaches, anaemia
and alimentary tract disturbances. Not infrequently tropical
residents without symptoms may show crescents in their blood and
such cases are of prime importance in connection with infection
of mosquitoes. To a certain extent they are the typical carriers
and should be actively treated from a standpoint of malarial
prophylaxis.
=Masked Malaria.=—While as a rule one should not accept such a
diagnosis, unless the possibility of some other explanation than
malaria is excluded, yet there are manifestations, chiefly neuralgic,
gastro-intestinal or in the form of varied skin eruptions which at
times show periodicity and which respond to treatment with quinine.
[Illustration: FIG. 20.—Abnormal malaria parasites. 1, Normal red
corpuscle; 2, gametocyte and schizont; 3, gametocyte and gametocyte;
4, gametocyte and schizont; 5, schizont and schizont, both undergoing
schizogony. (_After Dr. J. D. Thompson, “Jl. R. A. M. C.”_) By
permission from Manson’s Tropical Diseases.]
=Malarial Cachexia.=—As the result of repeated attacks of any type
of malaria a condition of anaemia and physical and mental incapacity
may be produced. The skin has a dirty earthy hue, particularly of
the face, and the sclerae show a yellowish tinging. The patient
is sensitive to the slightest cold and is the victim of mental
depression with deterioration of memory or at any rate lack of
concentration.
There may be long periods in which the temperature is normal or
subnormal but slight febrile accessions may occur from time to time
and at such times the blood may show parasites.
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