Malaria is caused by which of the following parasites?

Appeared in: CGHS SSC - 2018

Explanation

Malaria is a major infectious disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium.
Plasmodium falciparum is one of the species that infects humans and is responsible for the most severe, life-threatening form of the disease.
The parasite is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
The question asks to identify the parasite that causes malaria, and Plasmodium falciparum is the only protozoan parasite listed among the options that fits this description.

Option A: Rubella is a virus, not a parasite. It is the causative agent of German measles, a disease completely unrelated to malaria.
Option B: Candida is a genus of fungi (yeast), not a parasite. It causes opportunistic infections like thrush (candidiasis), but not malaria.
Option C: Rhinovirus is a virus, not a parasite. It is the most frequent cause of the common cold.

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.
A key nursing responsibility is obtaining a thorough travel history from any patient presenting with a fever, as this is crucial for diagnosing imported diseases like malaria.
Nurses must be able to recognize the signs of severe malaria (often caused by P. falciparum), such as altered consciousness, seizures, respiratory distress, and severe anemia, to ensure prompt and aggressive treatment.
Patient education on malaria prevention is vital for those traveling to endemic areas. This includes advice on using insect repellent, sleeping under insecticide-treated nets, and taking prophylactic antimalarial drugs.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core components of the question: the disease ('Malaria') and the type of microorganism ('parasites').
The question is a direct recall question asking for the specific parasite that causes malaria.
Systematically evaluate each option to determine its classification as a pathogen.
Recall or deduce that Rubella and Rhinovirus are viruses, and Candida is a fungus.
This process of elimination leaves Plasmodium falciparum, which is known to be a protozoan parasite.
Confirm that Plasmodium falciparum is indeed the causative agent of the most severe form of malaria, making it the correct answer.

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 CGHS SSC - 2018

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