| Description | Plasmodium falciparum is a Gram-negative, oval-shaped protozoan parasite that thrives in a warm temperature range, classified as mesophilic, with a metabolism that falls under the category of heterotrophs. As a heterotroph, P. falciparum relies on external sources of energy and nutrients for growth and survival. This microbe produces energy through the process of glycolysis, a method of sugar breakdown. P. falciparum is capable of infecting all body sites, including the liver and the bloodstream, in humans and other primates. However, its primary habitat is within the erythrocytes, where it undergoes a complex life cycle involving multiple stages of development. This microbe is an obligate anaerobe, meaning it prefers to thrive in the absence of oxygen or in low-oxygen environments. In fact, the presence of oxygen can be detrimental to its survival, as it can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage its cellular components. P. falciparum is a significant public health concern, being the most virulent and deadly species of the Plasmodium genus, causing severe malaria in humans. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria caused by P. falciparum is responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths, with approximately 400-800,000 deaths annually. Furthermore, P. falciparum has evolved to develop resistance to various antimalarial drugs, making it a major challenge in the treatment and control of malaria. In addition, the parasite's ability to evade the host's immune system and its complex life cycle make it a formidable opponent in the fight against this devastating disease. |
|---|
