Which genus is the etiologic agent of malaria?

Which genus is the etiologic agent of malaria?

• A. Giardia Intestinalis
• B. Trichomonas vaginalis
• C. Plasmodium species
• D. Schistosoma mansoni

Answer: (C)

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium. After a mosquito bite, sporozoites travel to the liver, where they multiply, then release merozoites that invade red blood cells, producing the recurring fever and anemia characteristic of the disease. Several Plasmodium species cause malaria, including P. falciparum (the most severe), P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. The other organisms listed cause different infections: Giardia intestinalis causes giardiasis from contaminated water; Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis; Schistosoma mansoni is a helminth that causes schistosomiasis.

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites in the genus Plasmodium. After a mosquito bite, sporozoites travel to the liver, where they multiply, then release merozoites that invade red blood cells, producing the recurring fever and anemia characteristic of the disease. Several Plasmodium species cause malaria, including P. falciparum (the most severe), P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. The other organisms listed cause different infections: Giardia intestinalis causes giardiasis from contaminated water; Trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis; Schistosoma mansoni is a helminth that causes schistosomiasis.