There are five types of Plasmodium parasites that can infect humans. This parasite can be found in various parts of the world. Some cause more severe types of malaria than others.
P. vivax
This species is most common in Asia, Latin America, and parts of Africa. The infection can sometimes cause life-threatening rupture of the spleen. This type of malaria can hide in the liver, returning later to cause yearly recurrences after the first infection.
P. ovale
This species is rarely found outside of Africa or the western Pacific islands. Symptoms are similar to those of P. vivax. Like P. vivax, P. ovale can hide in the liver for years before exploding again and causing symptoms.
P. malariae
Found worldwide but less common than other forms. This form of malaria is difficult to diagnose because there are usually very few parasites in the blood. If left untreated, the infection can last for years.
P. falciparum
This is the most life-threatening species of malaria. Although present throughout most of the tropical and subtropical world, it is especially common in sub-Saharan Africa. P. falciparum is resistant to many drugs used to treat or prevent malaria. Unlike P. vivax and P. ovale, this species does not hide in the liver.
P. knowlesi
Found primarily in Southeast Asia, this species can also cause high levels of the parasite in the blood leading to organ failure or death.
2023-05-18 17:30:00
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