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Difficulty: EasyHuman Physiology, Health, and Diseases

Malaria remains a major public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions. Which of the following microorganisms is the actual causative pathogen responsible for malaria in humans?

  1. Plasmodium parasiteAnswer
  2. B
    Anopheles mosquito
  3. C
    Salmonella typhi
  4. D
    Aedes mosquito

Answer

The causative pathogen responsible for malaria in humans is the Plasmodium parasite.
The Plasmodium parasite is the single-celled protozoan that invades human erythrocytes and liver cells, causing malaria.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between a disease pathogen (the organism causing illness) and a vector (the organism transporting the pathogen).
Plasmodium is identified as the microscopic pathogen, while mosquitoes serve as vectors.
Medical parasitology categorizes infectious diseases by their etiological microbe.
2
Identify the specific microorganism causing malaria.
Plasmodium species (such as P. falciparum and P. vivax) are protozoan parasites responsible for malarial infection.
Female Anopheles mosquitoes only inject Plasmodium sporozoites into the host during a blood meal.

Key Concept

Distinction between infectious pathogens and disease vectors in human health
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Topics

Human Physiology, Health, and Diseases

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