Development of the Malarial Parasite in Humans

Malaria is caused by a protozoan. It is widespread in tropical
Africa and south-east Asia. Malaria is caused by certain species of
(Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium falciparum).
The parasites are transmitted to humans by the bites of infected
female (Anopheles) mosquitoes.
The asexual cycle of the malarial parasite occurs in humans. When
an infected mosquito bites a healthy person, it introduces parasites
at the sporozoite stage into his body. These sporozoites migrate to
the liver, multiply and develop into trophozoites which then invade
the red blood cells. In these cells, they divide asexually forming
numerous merozoites which when liberated, invade many other red blood
cells. Some merozoites also develop into gametocytes. A mosquito picks
up these gametocytes when it bites an infected person. The gametocytes
develop in the mosquito's stomach where they reproduce sexually to
form sporozoites. These migrate to its salivary glands, and are
eventually transmitted to healthy humans through its bites.
SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA INCLUDE=>
*. Cyclic occurrence of chills (violent shaking).
*. Fever.
*. Profuse sweating.
These symptoms occur when the merozoites destroy the red blood
cells, causing toxins to be released into the blood. Headache and
nausea are the other common symptoms. The secondary effects are
mainly=>
*. Anaemia.
*. Jaundice.
*. And enlargement of the spleen.