What type of organism is responsible for causing malaria?

Malaria is caused by protozoa from the genus Plasmodium. This group of single-celled organisms is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. The protozoan lifecycle involves multiple stages, including a form that reproduces in the mosquito and another that multiplies in human liver and blood cells.

Protozoa are eukaryotic microorganisms that can exist as unicellular organisms and are known to cause various diseases in humans and other animals. The specific species of Plasmodium that are responsible for malaria include Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae, each of which can lead to symptoms ranging from mild to severe and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

While fungi, bacteria, and viruses can also cause a range of diseases, they are not responsible for malaria. Fungi can cause infections such as athlete's foot or candidiasis, bacteria are known for diseases such as strep throat and tuberculosis, and viruses are responsible for conditions like influenza and COVID-19. Understanding the specific type of organism that causes a disease is crucial for effective treatment and control measures.