Plasmodium (genus of malaria parasites) (null)

Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular, eukaryotic protozoan parasites belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, characterized by complex life cycles involving both human (or other vertebrate) and mosquito hosts. Plasmodium species invade and replicate within host red blood cells and liver cells, causing malaria. The genus includes five species that infect humans: Plasmodium falciparum (most lethal), Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Plasmodium parasites are the primary target of antimalarial drugs, which act on specific proteins and metabolic pathways critical for parasite survival and transmission. The control of malaria relies on both pharmacological treatment and prevention of transmission, since the parasites have a high capacity to develop drug resistance.

Other names

Malaria parasites

Inhibition of heme detoxification/hemozoin formation (e.g., chloroquine); Generation of reactive oxygen species (e.g., artemisinin); Inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport (e.g., atovaquone); Inhibition of folate synthesis (e.g., pyrimethamine, sulfadoxine); Inhibition of protein synthesis (e.g., doxycycline); Disruption of membrane potential (various).