Question

Fever in malaria is due to

• A. Entry of sporozoites into blood capillaries
• B. Entry of merozoites into liver cells
• C. Release of merozoites from red blood cells
• D. Entry of cryptomerozoites into red blood cells

Answer 1

The correct option is C Release of merozoites from red blood cells

The stage merozoites are the asexual stage of malarial Plasmodium in the red blood cells. These are pear-shaped cells that multiply within the RBCs. Some are retained within to move to the sexual stage while others are released in the bloodstream by bursting the RBCs. Their release causes certain factors and toxins to be accumulated in the blood that gives the symptoms of fever and chill associated with malaria.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Release of merozoites from red blood cells'