Which disease is spread by the Plasmodium protozoa?

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

The question asks to identify the disease caused by the Plasmodium protozoa.
Malaria is a parasitic protozoal disease caused by several species of the genus Plasmodium.
The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
The five main species that infect humans are P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi.

Option A: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection, not protozoal. It is caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi.
Option C: Dengue is a viral infection, not protozoal. It is caused by the Dengue virus (DENV).
Option D: Dracunculiasis, or Guinea-worm disease, is caused by a parasitic nematode worm (Dracunculus medinensis), not a protozoa.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Causative agents of infectious diseases helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Differentiating febrile illnesses is a critical nursing skill, especially in endemic areas. A patient presenting with fever could have malaria, dengue, typhoid, or another illness, and correct diagnosis is key to appropriate treatment.
Nurses play a vital role in collecting blood samples (e.g., for thick and thin blood smears for malaria) at the correct time (during fever spikes) to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Patient education on preventive measures is crucial. For malaria and dengue, this includes using mosquito nets and repellents. For typhoid and dracunculiasis, it involves ensuring safe drinking water and food hygiene.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Plasmodium protozoa'. This tells you the question is about a specific type of microscopic parasite.
Next, analyze each option to determine its causative agent.
Recall or deduce that Typhoid is bacterial, and Dengue is viral. This eliminates options A and C.
Consider the remaining options, Malaria and Dracunculiasis. Recall that Dracunculiasis is Guinea-worm disease, caused by a worm, not a protozoa.
By elimination, or by direct knowledge, identify that Malaria is the disease caused by the Plasmodium protozoa.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qh5Zdu8BB33aEae_Z2o2Ga

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 395-397

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1801-1803

Practise the full MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.