Which condition is primarily caused by the organism Plasmodium?

Get ready for the Harr Microbiology Test. Leverage flashcards, multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

Plasmodium is a genus of parasitic protozoa known to be the causative agents of malaria. Malaria is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which introduce the parasites into the bloodstream. Once inside the host, Plasmodium infects red blood cells and multiplies, leading to the clinical manifestations of the disease, which include fever, chills, headache, and malaise.

The life cycle of Plasmodium involves both mosquito and human hosts, highlighting the organism's ability to adapt to different environments. There are several species of Plasmodium, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most deadly. Understanding the direct relationship between Plasmodium and malaria helps in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, as well as in developing preventive measures like mosquito control and vaccination strategies.

In contrast, the other conditions mentioned are caused by different organisms: Cestodiasis is caused by tapeworms, amoebiasis is caused by Entamoeba histolytica, and filariasis is typically caused by filarial worms. Each of these diseases has distinct transmission methods, causative agents, and clinical features, differentiating them from malaria. Thus, Plas

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy