Biology of Plasmodium: Malaria Parasite

General Characteristics

• Plasmodium is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes malaria in humans and other animals.
• There are over 200 species of Plasmodium, but only five are known to infect humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi.

Life Cycle

• The life cycle of Plasmodium involves two hosts: a mosquito vector and a vertebrate host (human or animal).
• The cycle consists of three stages:
  1. Sporogony: The mosquito ingests infected blood, and the parasite develops into a sporozoite.
  2. Exoerythrocytic schizogony: The sporozoite infects the liver cells of the vertebrate host, where it multiplies and forms merozoites.
  3. Erythrocytic schizogony: The merozoites infect red blood cells, where they multiply and cause the cell to rupture, releasing more merozoites.

Pathogenesis

• Plasmodium infects red blood cells, leading to their destruction and the release of toxins.
• The infection causes a range of symptoms, including fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
• Complications can include anemia, cerebral malaria, and organ failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis is typically made through microscopic examination of blood samples or through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
• Treatment usually involves antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, quinine, and artemisinin-based combinations.
• Preventive measures include using insecticide-treated bed nets, wearing protective clothing, and applying insect repellents.

General Characteristics

• Plasmodium is a genus of parasitic protozoa that causes malaria.
• There are over 200 species of Plasmodium, but only five infect humans: P.falciparum, P.vivax, P.ovale, P.malariae, and P.knowlesi.

Life Cycle

• The life cycle of Plasmodium involves two hosts: a mosquito vector and a vertebrate host (human or animal).
• The cycle consists of three stages:
• Sporogony: Mosquito ingests infected blood, and the parasite develops into a sporozoite.
• Exoerythrocytic schizogony: Sporozoite infects liver cells, multiplies, and forms merozoites.
• Erythrocytic schizogony: Merozoites infect red blood cells, multiply, and cause the cell to rupture, releasing more merozoites.

Pathogenesis

• Plasmodium infects and destroys red blood cells, releasing toxins.
• Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.
• Complications can include anemia, cerebral malaria, and organ failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis is made through microscopic examination of blood samples or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs).
• Treatment usually involves antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, quinine, and artemisinin-based combinations.
• Preventive measures include using insecticide-treated bed nets, wearing protective clothing, and applying insect repellents.