Plasmodium spp.

Plasmodium spp. is a genus of unicellular protozoan parasites responsible for causing malaria. These parasites have a complex life cycle involving both mosquito and vertebrate hosts. They undergo asexual reproduction in the vertebrate host, leading to the destruction of red blood cells and the symptoms of malaria. The life cycle stages and molecular features of Plasmodium, such as the circumsporozoite protein (CSP), are targets for drug and vaccine development. Different species of Plasmodium, including P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi, infect humans and cause varying degrees of disease severity.

Other names

Malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparumPlasmodium vivaxPlasmodium ovalePlasmodium malariaePlasmodium knowlesi

Varies depending on the drug; examples include inhibiting parasite enzymes, disrupting DNA replication, or interfering with electron transport.