Plasmodium (malaria)

Plasmodium is a genus of single-celled parasites responsible for malaria, a serious mosquito-borne disease. There are several species of Plasmodium, with P. falciparum and P. vivax being the most common. When an infected mosquito bites a human, the parasite enters the bloodstream, eventually infecting red blood cells. Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, and flu-like illness. If untreated, malaria can lead to severe complications and can be fatal. Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and using antimalarial medications in high-risk areas. Effective treatments are available, making early diagnosis crucial for recovery.