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The plasmodium parasite which causes human malaria can be divided into four different species, namely
- Plasmodium falciparum,
- Plasmodium vivax,
- Plasmodium ovale and
- Plasmodium malariae.
The parasite is transmitted to the human host when an infected anopheles mosquito bites the human to feed of human blood.
Plasmodium falciparum occurs in almost all areas affected by malaria and it is classed in most cases resistant to chloroquine.
Plasmodium vivax infection is predominantly located in South America as well as the Middle East, but is uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa. Plasmodium ovale as well as Plasmodium malariae is mostly found in Africa.
In order to plan effective treatment of malaria infection, the identification of the infecting species is important and testing may be required to ascertain it.
The plasmodium parasite has an extremely complex lifecycle, and on entering the human host, goes through a series of changes until it reaches a sexual stage.
It is in this stage of sexual maturity that the parasite can be transmitted to another person through the vector agency of the mosquito, as the mosquito will feed on the infected human host and then feed again, within 10 to 14 days, on a different person.
The various stages in the lifecycle of the plasmodium parasite allow it to confuse the body's immune system, and to invade and infect the liver and red blood cells.
The plasmodium parasite multiplies in the human body, spreading from the liver, destroying red blood cells, which also results in anemia (anaemia).
If the infection reaches an advanced state the plasmodium start to clog the capillaries that carry blood to the brain, (this is called cerebral anemia (anaemia)) and various other organs of the body.
Malaria can be life threatening and must be treated by a competent health practitioner as soon as possible.
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