Which pathogen causes malaria?

Which pathogen causes malaria?

• A. Plasmodium
• B. Giardia
• C. Toxoplasma
• D. Leishmania

Answer: (A)

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. After transmission, the parasite first multiplies in the liver, then invades red blood cells, producing the fevers, chills, and anemia that define the illness. Among the species, Plasmodium falciparum is the most severe form, capable of cerebral malaria and multi-organ failure, while P. vivax and P. ovale can form dormant liver stages that cause relapses. In contrast, Giardia causes giardiasis with gastrointestinal symptoms, Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, and Leishmania causes leishmaniasis.

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. After transmission, the parasite first multiplies in the liver, then invades red blood cells, producing the fevers, chills, and anemia that define the illness. Among the species, Plasmodium falciparum is the most severe form, capable of cerebral malaria and multi-organ failure, while P. vivax and P. ovale can form dormant liver stages that cause relapses. In contrast, Giardia causes giardiasis with gastrointestinal symptoms, Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, and Leishmania causes leishmaniasis.