Biology
Explainer
Malaria: A Parasite with Two Hosts
Malaria isn't caused by mosquitoes; it's caused by a single-celled parasite.
Quick check · tap an answer to continue
Lesson notes
Key points
- Malaria is caused by Plasmodium, a single-celled parasite, and mosquitoes only carry it.
- Only female Anopheles mosquitoes spread it, because females drink blood to make their eggs.
- Inside you, the parasite first hides in the liver, then bursts red blood cells, causing waves of fever.
- That's why nets and drugs both work: one blocks the carrier, the other kills the parasite.
Definitions
- Plasmodium
- A single-celled parasite that causes malaria, spread by female Anopheles mosquitoes
Takeaway: Mosquitoes carry malaria; the Plasmodium parasite causes it.
Quick check: What actually causes malaria?
- A virus
- The Plasmodium parasite
- Mosquito saliva
PlasmodiumFemale AnophelesLife cyclePrevention
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