Harr Microbiology Practice Test

Plasmodium falciparum is known to be the most dangerous species of the malaria parasite and is strongly associated with severe complications, including blackwater fever. Blackwater fever is characterized by the destruction of red blood cells leading to hemolysis and subsequent hemoglobinuria, where hemoglobin is excreted in urine, giving it a dark appearance. This condition arises due to severe malaria, particularly from infections with Plasmodium falciparum. The virulence of this species is attributed to its ability to cause severe anemia, multi-organ dysfunction, and complications such as cerebral malaria, making it a major public health concern in areas where malaria is endemic.

Other species such as Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium vivax can cause malaria but are less associated with severe manifestations like blackwater fever. Entamoeba histolytica is an amoebic parasite that causes amoebic dysentery but is unrelated to malaria and the conditions it causes. Thus, P. falciparum is correctly identified as the primary parasite concerned with blackwater fever and severe malaria outcomes.