Question 1: Malaria is a disease caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. It leads to symptoms such as fever, chills, and sweating. Understanding its transmission and effects can help in controlling the spread of the disease.

Answer: Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by infected Anopheles mosquitoes, causing symptoms like fever and chills.

Question 1: Define the term 'vector' in the context of infectious diseases.

Answer: A vector is an organism that transmits a pathogen from one host to another, such as mosquitoes transmitting malaria.

Question 2: Explain the lifecycle of the Plasmodium parasite within the human body.

Answer: The lifecycle begins when an infected mosquito bites a human, transmitting sporozoites. These enter the liver, multiply, and release merozoites into the bloodstream. Merozoites invade red blood cells, causing cycles of destruction that lead to symptoms. Some develop into gametocytes, which are taken up by mosquitoes, continuing the cycle.

Question 1: If a study reports that 5% of a population of 10,000 people are infected with malaria, how many people are infected? Show your calculation.

Answer: Number of infected = 5% of 10,000 = (5/100) * 10,000 = 500 people

Question 2: A malaria treatment reduces the parasite count in patients' blood by 80%. If a patient initially has 1,000 parasites per microliter of blood, how many remain after treatment? Show your work.

Answer: Remaining parasites = 20% of 1,000 = (20/100) * 1,000 = 200 parasites

Question 1: Describe the safety precautions that should be taken when handling blood samples in a malaria research laboratory.

Answer: Wear gloves, use sterilized equipment, dispose of samples properly, and avoid direct contact with blood to prevent infection.

Question 2: Identify the variables in an experiment testing the effectiveness of a new malaria drug.

Answer: Independent variable: drug type or dosage; Dependent variable: parasite count or patient recovery rate; Controlled variables: age, health status, and environment.

Question 1: In a study of 200 patients treated for malaria, 150 recovered fully after treatment, while 50 showed partial recovery. Calculate the recovery rate and discuss what this might imply about the treatment's effectiveness.

Answer: Recovery rate = (150/200) * 100% = 75%. This suggests the treatment is effective in most cases, but some patients may need additional care or alternative therapies.

Question 2: A survey recorded that in a region, 30 out of 500 children had malaria symptoms during the rainy season. Analyze this data and suggest two possible reasons for this infection rate.

Answer: The infection rate is 6%. Possible reasons include increased mosquito breeding sites during the rainy season and limited use of mosquito control measures like nets or sprays.

Question 1: Describe how mosquito control methods can reduce the spread of malaria. Include at least two methods in your answer.

Answer: Mosquito control methods such as using insecticide-treated bed nets and eliminating standing water reduce mosquito populations and prevent bites, thereby lowering malaria transmission.

Question 2: Considering current technological advancements, suggest a new approach or technology that could improve malaria detection or treatment in affected regions.

Answer: Development of rapid, portable diagnostic devices using biosensors or AI-based mobile apps for early detection and targeted treatment could improve malaria control.