Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular eukaryotic parasites known to cause malaria in humans. These parasites are transmitted through the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
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Plasmodium species responsible for human malaria include P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae.
The life cycle of Plasmodium involves both asexual reproduction in humans and sexual reproduction in mosquitoes.
Plasmodium infection leads to symptoms such as fever, chills, and anemia due to the destruction of red blood cells.
Diagnosis of Plasmodium infection is commonly performed using blood smears and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
Effective treatment options include antimalarial drugs like chloroquine, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), and prophylactic measures such as insecticide-treated nets.
Review Questions
What are the primary species of Plasmodium that infect humans?
Describe the life cycle stages of Plasmodium in both humans and mosquitoes.
What are the common methods used to diagnose Plasmodium infection?