What is the primary cause of malaria?

Malaria is primarily caused by a protist known as Plasmodium. This genus includes several species, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most severe and prevalent form. The life cycle of Plasmodium involves both a human host and a female Anopheles mosquito. When the mosquito bites a person, it transmits the parasites through its saliva, leading to infection in the human bloodstream.

Understanding the nature of the causative agent is crucial in efforts to control and treat malaria. Treatment typically involves antimalarial medications targeting the Plasmodium life cycle. Additionally, public health measures focus on mosquito control to reduce transmission, highlighting the important understanding that distinguishing malaria as a disease caused by a protist rather than a virus, bacterium, or fungus is essential in addressing the disease effectively.