quartan malaria

Quartan malaria refers to a type of malaria characterized by fever cycles occurring every fourth day, or approximately every 72 hours. This pattern is linked to the life cycle of the Plasmodium malariae parasite, which causes this specific form of the disease.123

Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. After an incubation period, symptoms typically include chills, fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms manifest in periodic attacks that coincide with the release of new generations of parasites into the bloodstream.24

While P. malariae causes quartan malaria, other Plasmodium species like P. falciparum (the deadliest), P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi also cause malaria, with varying cycle lengths and severity. The destruction of red blood cells by the parasites leads to anemia and spleen enlargement. Historically, quinine from cinchona bark was the primary treatment, though newer drugs are now available, with resistance being a growing concern.256