Plasmodium ovale

Plasmodium ovale is a species of protozoan parasite that infects humans and causes tertian malaria, characterized by fever episodes recurring every ~49 hours[3][5][9]. It is transmitted by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes and can form dormant liver stages (hypnozoites) that cause relapses years after the initial infection[1][3][5]. Two genetic types exist, Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri[1][7][8]. In the human host, the parasite infects red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as fever, anemia, splenomegaly, and potential hypoglycemia[1][7]. Treatment typically involves chloroquine and primaquine to clear both blood and liver stages; alternative therapies may include artemether-lumefantrine and atovaquone-proguanil[5][6]. Although studied for molecular targets (e.g., MSP1, spect-1, GPI-anchored proteins) in vaccine and drug discovery efforts[8], "Plasmodium ovale" itself is not a defined molecular target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but rather the causative pathogen of a human infectious disease.

Other names

Plasmodium ovale curtisiPlasmodium ovale wallikeriP. ovale

Inhibition of hemoglobin digestion, Eradication of liver hypnozoites, Disruption of parasite DNA replication and mitochondrial function