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Plasmodium species (Multiple Life Stages) (Plasmodium spp.)

Target: Plasmodium spp.
Molecular classification: Parasite, Apicomplexan, Enzyme (various), Kinase (various), Structural protein (various), Membrane protein (various)

Overview

Plasmodium is a genus of unicellular eukaryotic parasites that cause malaria. The parasite has a complex life cycle involving multiple stages in both mosquito and human hosts. Each stage presents distinct molecular targets for drug intervention. Targeting molecules essential across multiple stages offers potential for drugs with prophylactic, curative, or transmission-blocking effects.

Other names: Malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumPlasmodium vivaxPlasmodium ovalePlasmodium malariaePlasmodium knowlesi

Mechanism of action

Varies depending on the drug and the target. Examples include inhibition of parasite enzymes, disruption of parasite membranes, and interference with DNA replication.

Biological functions

Host cell invasionIntracellular replicationNutrient acquisitionImmune evasionSexual reproductionTransmission

Disease associations

MalariaInfection

Safety considerations

Drug resistanceAdverse drug reactions (e.g., neuropsychiatric effects with mefloquine)G6PD deficiency (contraindication for primaquine and tafenoquine)Pregnancy (certain drugs contraindicated)Species-specific drug sensitivities

Interacting drugs

Artemisinin

8 more in the full profile.

Biomarkers

Parasite density (blood smear)Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) detecting parasite antigensAntibody titersParasite DNA/RNA (PCR)

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