Which of the following parasites are responsible for malaria in humans?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. Plasmodium.
- The parasites responsible for malaria in humans are Plasmodium species. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by these single-celled parasites that infect red blood cells.
There are five species known to cause malaria in humans:
- Plasmodium falciparum – the most deadly and common in Africa.
- Plasmodium vivax – widespread and causes relapsing malaria.
- Plasmodium ovale – causes relapsing malaria, mostly in West Africa.
- Plasmodium malariae – causes a milder form, found worldwide.
- Plasmodium knowlesi – primarily a parasite of monkeys but can infect humans, mainly in Southeast Asia.
Other options:
Ectoparasites are parasites that live on the outside of the host’s body, rather than inside. They typically attach to the skin or outer surfaces and feed on blood or skin tissue.
Helminths are a group of parasitic worms that live inside the host's body, so they are endoparasites. They can infect various organs, such as the intestines, blood, liver, or lungs.
Giardia is s a genus of protozoan parasites that cause giardiasis, an intestinal infection.