Chapter 23, Problem 1VI

Summary Introduction

To label:

The three stages of plasmodium life cycle; and the forms of parasites where they are indicated.

Introduction:

Plasmodium is the malaria causing protozoa. Four of its species are involved in this common disease: P. malariae, P. ovale, P. vivax, and P. falciparum. It has a complex life cycle consisting of 3 main phases and various stages in both humans and mosquitoes. Plasmodium has various virulence factors that make it pathogenic, like occurrence of a portion of reproductive cycle inside the erythrocytes (erythrocytic cycle), presence of toxin injecting malaria secretome, adhesions, merozoite phase, and a dormant stage called hypnozoite.

Malaria is symptomatic of fever, headache, diarrhea, and chills. Destruction of erythrocytes results in anemia and excessive release of hemoglobin, which overburdens the liver and causes jaundice.