31 topics with brief reviews: definitions, key facts, and seminar questions.
Vector-borne infections are diseases transmitted through the bites of hematophagous arthropods. In this section, we analyze in detail the key nosologies that a physician encounters both in endemic areas and in cases imported by travelers.
The reference material is based on four main blocks: malaria in all its aspects, epidemic typhus (including its relapse — Brill-Zinsser disease), tick-borne encephalitis, and the extensive group of tick-borne spotted fevers (Mediterranean spotted fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, North Asian tick typhus, and others). The basics are broken down for each disease: etiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, detailed clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, treatment, and prevention.
During practical classes and exams, instructors traditionally focus on the life cycle of the malaria parasite, the differential diagnosis of the forms of tick-borne encephalitis, and the pathognomonic rash elements in typhus and rickettsioses. Pay special attention to emergency prophylaxis algorithms and malaria complications — this is the knowledge that most often saves the lives of real patients.
What are the main components of the epidemic process?
The epidemic process consists of the source of infection, transmission mechanisms and factors, as well as the susceptible population.
Which method is considered the primary one for laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis?
The main method is microscopic examination of thick and thin blood smears stained with Romanowsky-Giemsa stain. Parasite density per 1 µL of blood must be quantified.
What is "schizogony-induced" malaria?
This is a form of infection arising from a parenteral route of transmission (e.g., via blood transfusion). Sporozoites from mosquito saliva do not enter the human body, but rather pre-developed asexual forms of the parasite — schizonts.
Why are newborns relatively resistant to malaria?
Resistance is due to the presence of fetal hemoglobin (poorly suited for parasite nutrition) as well as passive immunity from the mother (transplacentally and via breast milk).
Why can malarial paroxysms be atypical at the beginning of the disease?
During the initial fever, several generations of Plasmodium with different cycles mature simultaneously in the blood. Their attacks overlap, obscuring the clinical picture. Later, 1–2 leading generations remain, and the rhythm normalizes.
Where is the treatment of severe malaria carried out?
Treatment of severe and complicated forms is performed exclusively in intensive care units (ICUs), with parenteral administration of drugs.
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