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The Life Cycle of a Malarial Parasite in the Human Body

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites. It is a common disease found mostly in warm, southern regions of the world. Persons suffering from malaria can have severe flu-like symptoms. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal.

  1. Mosquitoes

    • The parasites that cause malaria are carried by mosquitoes from one person to another. Only females, and 30 to 40 of the anopheles genus of mosquito species, can carry the parasite and infect humans.

    Liver

    • When a person is first infected, the parasites start their growth and reproduction in the liver of the human body.

    Human Red Blood Cells

    • From the liver, the parasites travel to the red blood cells. The parasite then continues to live and reproduce in the red blood cells of humans.

    Blood Stage Parasites

    • The parasites that live in the blood cells are referred to as blood stage parasites. They destroy the cells and cause the illness known as malaria.

    Dormant Parasites

    • Two of the species, plasmodium vivax and plasmodium ovale, that cause malaria in humans become dormant after reaching the liver. Persons infected with these species may not have any malaria symptoms for years, even decades, after the initial infection.

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