What type of pathogen causes malaria?

Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites, specifically those belonging to the genus Plasmodium. The most common species responsible for malaria in humans include Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. These parasites are transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, which act as vectors.

Protozoans are unicellular eukaryotic organisms, and in the case of malaria, they undergo a complex life cycle that involves both the mosquito and the human host. Within the human host, the parasites infect liver cells and red blood cells, leading to various symptoms such as fever, chills, and anemia. Understanding that malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite is crucial in developing strategies for prevention, treatment, and control of the disease.

The other options—bacteria, viruses, and fungi—represent different types of pathogens that cause other diseases but are not responsible for malaria. Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that can lead to infections like strep throat or tuberculosis, viruses such as the influenza virus cause viral infections like the flu, and fungi can lead to conditions such as athlete's foot or ring