Which Plasmodium species is considered the most dangerous in malaria?

Which Plasmodium species is considered the most dangerous in malaria?

• A. Plasmodium vivax
• B. Plasmodium malariae
• C. Plasmodium falciparum
• D. Plasmodium ovale

Answer: (C)

Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous form of malaria because it can cause very high parasite burdens and widespread sequestration of infected red blood cells in the microvasculature. The parasite expresses adhesion proteins on red blood cells that stick to the lining of blood vessels and to uninfected cells, leading to clogging and impaired blood flow in the brain, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. This microvascular obstruction drives the severe complications we fear—cerebral malaria, severe anemia, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, renal failure—and can progress rapidly to death if not treated promptly. Other species tend to cause milder disease or have relapsing patterns, but falciparum malaria stands out for its potential to cause life-threatening illness even in previously healthy individuals.

Plasmodium falciparum is the most dangerous form of malaria because it can cause very high parasite burdens and widespread sequestration of infected red blood cells in the microvasculature. The parasite expresses adhesion proteins on red blood cells that stick to the lining of blood vessels and to uninfected cells, leading to clogging and impaired blood flow in the brain, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. This microvascular obstruction drives the severe complications we fear—cerebral malaria, severe anemia, lactic acidosis, hypoglycemia, renal failure—and can progress rapidly to death if not treated promptly. Other species tend to cause milder disease or have relapsing patterns, but falciparum malaria stands out for its potential to cause life-threatening illness even in previously healthy individuals.