• Plasmodium, the parasite responsible for human malaria is among the most researched genera of parasite in the world. Malarial infection in humans continues to grow in tropic and sub-tropic areas despite extensive studies on control measures.

Characteristics of Plasmodium

• They characteristically show the presence of apical complex.
• **Apical complex consists of polar rings, rhoptries, micronemes, mitcochondrions, microtubules and microspores
• Organs for locomotion
• They show slight amoeboid change of form
• The parasite in their life cycle shows an alternation of generation accompanied by an alternation of host
• Asexual cycle (Schizogony) takes place in erythrocytes in human host, sexual cycle (Sporogony) takes place in mosquito
• Typically, pigment is produced in erythrocyte during developmental stages of parasite. These pigments are visualized by light microscopy.
• Development of microgametes and macrogametes take place independently
• Each microgamont produces 8 microgametes on exflagellation.
• Sporozoites are naked with three layered wall

Classification of Plasmodium

Phylum: Apicomplexa

Class: Aconoidasida

Order: Haemosporida

Family: Plasmodiidae

Genus: Plasmodium

• The genus Plasmodium has been sub divided into 9 sub genera, of which three are found in mammals, four in birds and two in reptiles.
• Subgenus Plasmodium and Laverania causes malaria in human.
• Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae and ovale belongs to subgenus Plasmodium whereas Plasmodium falciparum belongs to subgenus Laverania.

Plasmodium; a malarial parasite: characteristics and classification

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