
Plasmodium (Malaria parasite)
Plasmodium is a genus of single-celled parasites responsible for malaria, a serious disease transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, specifically the Anopheles species. Once in the human body, Plasmodium travels to the liver, where it multiplies before entering the bloodstream and invading red blood cells. This leads to symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue. There are several species of Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly. Malaria remains a significant global health issue, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Preventive measures include mosquito control and antimalarial medications.