Malaria is caused by:

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Explanation

Malaria is a parasitic disease caused by a single-celled microorganism belonging to the genus Plasmodium.
Based on its cellular structure and life cycle, Plasmodium is classified as a protozoan.
The disease is transmitted between humans by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
While bacteria, viruses, and fungi are all pathogenic microorganisms, they belong to different biological classifications and cause different types of diseases.

Option A: Bacteria are prokaryotic cells, distinct from the eukaryotic parasite that causes malaria. Bacterial infections include conditions like typhoid and tuberculosis.
Option B: Viruses are acellular agents that require a host cell to replicate. Malaria is caused by a cellular parasite, not a virus.
Option C: Fungi are eukaryotic organisms, but they have distinct characteristics (like chitin in cell walls) and cause different types of infections, such as ringworm or candidiasis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Causative agent of malaria as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Correctly identifying the pathogen type is critical for selecting the appropriate treatment. Malaria requires antiprotozoal drugs, whereas antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals would be ineffective.
Nursing care for a patient with malaria involves managing high fevers, preventing dehydration, monitoring for complications like severe anemia or cerebral malaria, and administering antimalarial medications as prescribed.
Public health nursing focuses on prevention through vector control (e.g., insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying) and health education about avoiding mosquito bites.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of microbiology and communicable diseases.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'Malaria'.
Next, recall the causative agent for malaria from your studies.
You should remember that malaria is a classic example of a parasitic disease.
Finally, evaluate the options provided. 'Protozoa' is the correct classification for the Plasmodium parasite. The other options represent different categories of microorganisms.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1801-1803

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 395-397

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO-2016

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.