Yes, malaria is caused by protozoa.
What are Protozoa and How Do They Relate to Malaria?
Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotic microorganisms. Some protozoa are parasitic, meaning they live on or in a host organism and derive nutrients from it. The protozoa responsible for malaria belong to the genus Plasmodium.
The Plasmodium Genus and Malaria
Plasmodium parasites are transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside a human host, the parasites undergo a complex life cycle involving stages in the liver and red blood cells.
Specific Plasmodium Species That Cause Malaria in Humans
Four main species of Plasmodium are known to cause malaria in humans:
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium malariae
P. falciparum is the most dangerous and prevalent species, responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths globally. Other Plasmodium species infect animals, including reptiles, birds, and other mammals.
In summary, malaria is indeed caused by parasitic protozoa belonging to the genus Plasmodium, which are transmitted through mosquito bites.
