Quick notes on the malaria parasite

Plasmodium is a tiny, single-celled parasite that infects cells.

Human malaria is caused by four species of the Plasmodium parasite: Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae.

The four species causing human malaria differ morphologically, immunologically, in geographical distribution, in relapse pattern and in drug response.

P. falciparum causes the most serious disease.

The most common malaria parasite is P. vivax. Infections are rarely fatal.

Least common is P. ovale, which is restricted to West Africa and also produces a mild illness.

P. malariae is found in isolated places scattered across the globe, and while it causes severe fever, it is usually not life threatening.

Species of the Plasmodium parasite are also found in primates, rodents, bats and other mammals, birds and reptiles.

P. falciparum is thought to have evolved about 7000 years ago, the era of the dawn of agriculture in Africa.