Which parasite is mainly associated with malaria?

• A. Plasmodium
• B. Demodex folliculitis
• C. Sarcoptes scabiei
• D. Pediculosis capitis

Answer: (A)

Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite in the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans by the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasite’s life cycle includes a liver stage and a red blood cell stage, which leads to the characteristic periodic fevers as merozoites rupture red blood cells. Among humans, several Plasmodium species cause disease, making Plasmodium the parasite most closely linked to malaria.

The other organisms listed are parasites that cause different conditions: Demodex mites inhabit hair follicles and can cause skin issues in some cases, Sarcoptes scabiei causes scabies, and Pediculosis capitis involves head lice. They are not associated with malaria.