What type of malaria has a three-day cycle and can last lifetime?

The type of malaria that has a three-day cycle and can last a lifetime is Plasmodium falciparum. This is the most common and deadliest species of malaria parasite, and it is responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths worldwide. P. falciparum is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The three-day cycle of P. falciparum refers to the time it takes for the parasite to complete one full cycle of replication within the human body. The cycle begins when an infected mosquito bites a human and injects sporozoites into the bloodstream. The sporozoites travel to the liver, where they mature into schizonts. The schizonts then rupture, releasing merozoites into the bloodstream. The merozoites invade red blood cells, where they multiply and mature into new schizonts. The cycle repeats itself every three days, causing symptoms of malaria such as fever, chills, and fatigue.

P. falciparum can cause severe malaria, which can lead to complications such as cerebral malaria, respiratory distress, and kidney failure. Severe malaria can be fatal if not treated promptly. Treatment for P. falciparum malaria typically involves antimalarial drugs such as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

P. falciparum can also cause chronic malaria, which is a long-term infection that can last for months or even years. Chronic malaria is most common in people with weakened immune systems, such as children, pregnant women, and people with HIV/AIDS. Chronic malaria can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and anemia. Treatment for chronic malaria typically involves a combination of antimalarial drugs and supportive care.