Mastering Microbiology: Chapter 21- Malaria p. 654-657

Plasmodium species reproduce sexually in

Anopheles mosquitoes.

Cycles of fever, chills, anemia and headache along with passage of dark colored urine are the symptoms of infection with

P. falciparum

Which species of Plasmodium typically causes the most serious disease?

P. falciparum causes the most severe symptoms such as black water fever and hemorrhages.

Schizogony is an important aspect of which of the following pathogens?

Plasmodium species

The release of large quantities of merozoites into circulation at one time is due to a form of reproduction by Plasmodium known as __________.

Schizogony - involves the replication of many merozoites within a red blood cell, which are then released at one time.

Malaria used to be endemic in the U.S., but has not been prevalent for decades. How is this possible?

The U.S. initiated a mosquito eradication program. By eliminating the vector, the U.S. was able to control the spread of malaria

Which vector is required for the spread of malaria?

The female Anopheles mosquito - spreads the disease when she takes a blood meal to produce eggs.

Which of the following phases of infection occurs in the mosquito?

The sporogonic phase - includes the fusion of gametes in the mosquito gut.

Diagnosis of malaria relies on identification of trophozoites in a __________.

blood smear During active infection, the parasites should be visible in a blood smear.

Plasmodium falciparum produces proteins that cause ________ in addition to the anemia due to erythrocyte destruction.

capillary damage

Which phase of malaria occurs within the mosquito?

sporogonic phase

The _____ form of the parasite has a characteristic "ring" shape.

trophozoite The trophozoite forms a ring within red blood cells