Question

Most dangerous species of Plasmodium is

• A. P. vivax
• B. P. falciparum
• C. P. malariae
• D. P. ovale

Answer 1

The correct option is B P. falciparum

P. falciparum is the most dangerous species, common in certain parts of India. Its incubation period is about 12 days.
Recurrence of fever is after every 48 hours (every third day).
It causes Malignant (Aestivo-autumnal or Pernicious or Cerebral or Tropical) Tertian Malaria.

P. ovale is the rarest of the four species which infect man.

P. malariae This was the species of malarial parasite discovered by Laveran. It causes Quartan Malaria.

P. vivax is most common in India. Its incubation period is about 14 days. It causes Benign Tertian Malaria. Recurrence of fever is after every 48 hours (every third day).