Describe 6 characteristics of plasmodium falciparum???
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Jan 28
1. Complex life cycle: Plasmodium falciparum has a complex life cycle that involves both human and mosquito hosts. The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the human body, the parasite undergoes several stages of development, including the invasion of red blood cells.
2. High pathogenicity: Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly species of malaria parasite, responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths worldwide. It causes severe symptoms, including high fever, anemia, organ failure, and cerebral malaria, which can lead to coma and death if left untreated.
3. Genetic diversity: Plasmodium falciparum exhibits high genetic diversity, which contributes to its ability to evade the human immune system and develop resistance to antimalarial drugs. This genetic diversity is due to the parasite's ability to undergo genetic recombination during sexual reproduction in the mosquito host.
4. Adherence to host cells: Plasmodium falciparum has the ability to adhere to and modify the surface of red blood cells, allowing it to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system. This adherence also contributes to the development of complications such as cerebral malaria and placental malaria.
5. Antigenic variation: Plasmodium falciparum can change the surface antigens it presents to the immune system, making it difficult for the host to mount an effective immune response. This antigenic variation allows the parasite to evade the immune system and establish chronic infections.
6. Drug resistance: Plasmodium falciparum has developed resistance to multiple antimalarial drugs, including chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. This resistance is a major challenge in the treatment and control of malaria, as it limits the effectiveness of available drugs and requires the development of new treatment strategies.