Malaria’s Effects on the Body: Liver, Blood, and Organ Damage

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily targets the liver and red blood cells.

Pathophysiology

• Liver stage: Sporozoites invade hepatocytes, replicate, release merozoites.
• Blood stage: Merozoites infect RBCs → cyclic fever, chills, anemia.
• Severe complications: Cerebral malaria (brain), renal failure, acute respiratory distress, splenic rupture.

Most Affected Organ

The liver is the initial and most heavily impacted organ during the exo‑erythrocytic phase.

Prompt diagnosis and antimalarial treatment prevent progression to severe disease.