There are four types of human malaria –Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale.
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are the most common forms of human malaria with Plasmodium falciparum is by far the most deadly type of malaria infection causing more than a million deaths, particularly in Africa.
Its cyclic paroxysms occur every 36 to 48 hours. It ranks second in prevalence and is chiefly a tropical species. Clinically, Plasmodium falciparum infections are the most serious of the four, it tends to run a shorter course without relapse.
The incubation period for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in human blood before symptom begin to show is between 10 to 14 days, during which time the parasites undergo several reproductive cycles and their numbers grow.
Once the population of parasites has become large enough, the rupture of the blood cells and their release of parasites cause the victim to feel chills, one of the most common symptoms.
In addition to fever with rigors, nausea, and hot and cold phases, Plasmodium falciparum infection can also present with diarrhea and cough. Serious complications include severe anemia, cerebral involvement and failure of major organs such as kidneys and liver.
Plasmodium falciparum
