- plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite belonging to the genus plasmodium, responsible for causing the most severe form of malaria in humans. transmitted primarily through the bite of infected female anopheles mosquitoes, p. falciparum infects red blood cells, causing widespread cellular destruction, inflammation, and systemic complications.
disease caused by plasmodium falciparum:
- falciparum malaria: characterized by high fever, chills, headache, nausea, severe anemia, and potentially life-threatening complications such as cerebral malaria, respiratory distress, kidney failure, shock, and multi-organ failure.
habitats and transmission:
- host organisms: humans (primary hosts) and female anopheles mosquitoes (vectors).
- geographic distribution: prevalent mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly africa, southeast asia, and south america.
- transmission: occurs through mosquito bites; rarely transmitted via blood transfusions, contaminated needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy.
- malaria treatment involves antimalarial medications (e.g., artemisinin-based combination therapies), supportive care, and preventive measures such as vector control, insecticide-treated bed nets, and chemoprophylaxis in high-risk areas.