Question

Which causes malaria, African sleeping sickness, and amoebic dysentery?

Answer 1

There are many different types of plasmodium parasite, but only five types cause malaria in humans. These are: Plasmodium falciparum – mainly found in Africa, it is the most common type of malaria parasite and is responsible for most malaria deaths worldwide. Plasmodium vivax – mainly found in Asia and South America. This parasite causes milder symptoms than Plasmodium falciparum, but it can stay in the liver for up to three years, which can result in relapses. Plasmodium ovale – fairly uncommon and usually found in West Africa. It can remain in your liver for several years without producing symptoms. Plasmodium malariae – this is quite rare and usually only found in Africa. Plasmodium knowlesi – this is very rare and found in parts of South East Asia.