The Plasmodium Parasite and Malaria

Plasmodium

• The main host of Plasmodium is human and some other animals.
• There are five species of Plasmodium found in human blood: P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi.
• Plasmodium belongs to the class Sporozoea.
• Plasmodium falciparum is typically used as an example in the text.
• Plasmodium causes malaria, a serious and sometimes life-threatening disease.

Flagellates

• The organelles responsible for the locomotion of flagellates are flagella.
• The distinguishing feature of flagellates in the phylum Sarcomastigophora is the presence of flagella.
• The group of flagellates characterized by their habitat in the body is endoparasitic flagellates.

Giardia lamblia

• Giardia lamblia was discovered by Vilem Lambl.
• The main distinguishing feature of Giardia lamblia is its two nuclei, which distinguish it from other protozoa.