1. Christian
Eukaryotic Organism: Malaria
Hello class, for this week’s discussion post, I choose to discuss Malaria. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which poses a considerable threat to human life. The symptoms of this disease typically include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches, among others. Left untreated, malaria can progress to severe complications, such as organ failure or death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Environmental management plays a vital role in malaria prevention. Eliminating stagnant water sources, where mosquitoes breed, significantly reduces their populations. Drainage of swamps, filling of potholes, and regular cleaning of water storage containers are essential measures to curtail mosquito breeding grounds. Community action and engagement are critical to raise awareness of these preventive measures and ensure long-term implementation.
In addition, Chemoprophylaxis, the use of medication to prevent malaria, is crucial for individuals at high risk of contracting the disease, such as travelers to malaria-endemic regions. Various antimalarial medications, such as chloroquine, atovaquone-proguanil, or mefloquine, are prescribed based on the specific context and traveler profile. It is paramount to consult healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate antimalarial medication, as the geographic distribution and the parasite’s drug resistance vary.
Furthermore, advancements in research and development have led to the development of the malaria vaccine, with the most widely implemented version being RTS,S/AS01. Although its efficacy has shown promising results in clinical trials, this vaccine is considered a complementary tool and should not replace existing preventive measures. Its implementation and integration into national vaccination programs will contribute to further reducing the burden of malaria.
Reference
Malaria – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 9). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/malaria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351184
2.kordejah
Eukaryotic organisms are organisms whose bodies are made up of eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are cells that contain a nucleus and organelles and are enclosed by a plasma membrane. Organisms with eukaryotic cells are grouped into the biological domain eukaryotic, eukaryotic organisms include all animals, plants, fungi, and protists, as well as algae.
Fungal meningitis is an example of a eukaryotic infection, fungal meningitis is a rare life- threatening fungal infection that causes swelling of the areas around the brain and spinal cord. It primarily affects people with weakened immune systems, people can also get infected during medical procedures if all infection practices are not followed. Symptoms of fungal meningitis may not appear as suddenly as they do in other types of meningitis, such as bacterial meningitis. Signs and symptoms of fungal meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and altered mental status. If a doctor suspects meningitis, he or she may collect samples of blood or cerebrospinal fluid. To prevent fungal meningitis, avoid areas that contain a lot of dust, such as construction or execution sites, stay inside during dust storms and close your windows, wear a N95 respirator when in dusty areas, clean skin injuries with warm water and soap to avoid infection.
Reference:U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Fungal Meningitis | CDCFungal Meningitis | CDC