Question

Malignant malaria is caused by which of the following species of Plasmodium?

• A. Plasmodium vivax
• B. Plasmodium malariae
• C. Plasmodium ovale
• D. Plasmodium falciparum

Hint:

Remember: \[ \textit{Plasmodium falciparum} \rightarrow \text{Malignant malaria} \] \[ \textit{Plasmodium vivax} \rightarrow \text{Benign tertian malaria} \] For CUET/NEET examinations: \[ \boxed{\textit{Falciparum = Fatal}} \] is a useful mnemonic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Recall the species causing malaria. Human malaria is caused by different species of Plasmodium, including: \[ \textit{P. vivax} \] \[ \textit{P. malariae} \] \[ \textit{P. ovale} \] \[ \textit{P. falciparum} \]

Step 2: Identify the most dangerous species. Among all malaria parasites, \[ \boxed{\textit{Plasmodium falciparum}} \] causes the most severe and fatal form of malaria known as: \[ \boxed{\text{Malignant malaria}} \] It can lead to complications such as:
• Cerebral malaria
• Severe anaemia
• Kidney failure
• Death if untreated

Step 3: Evaluate the options.
• P. vivax \(\rightarrow\) Benign tertian malaria \(\times\)
• P. malariae \(\rightarrow\) Quartan malaria \(\times\)
• P. ovale \(\rightarrow\) Mild malaria \(\times\)
• P. falciparum \(\rightarrow\) Malignant malaria \(\checkmark\) Therefore, \[ \boxed{\textit{Plasmodium falciparum}} \] Hence, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(D)}} \]