Plasmodium (causes malaria)

Plasmodium is a group of microscopic parasites that cause malaria, a serious infectious disease. They are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the body, Plasmodium parasites invade liver cells and then infect red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue. The parasites reproduce within red blood cells and cause them to burst, which releases more parasites and causes illness. Effective malaria control depends on preventing mosquito bites, using antimalarial medications, and managing symptoms promptly.