Question

The characteristic chills and shivering during infection of Plasmodium coincides with

• A. Release of haemozoin granules by rupture of RBC during release of merozoites.
• B. Increase in trophozoites size that give out certain toxins.
• C. Release of sporozoites from RBCs and their break down inside spleen.
• D. Destruction of microgametocytes and megagametocytes by the WBCs.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Release of haemozoin granules by rupture of RBC during release of merozoites.

Plasmodium is characterized by periodic attacks of chills and fever that coincide with mass destruction of blood cells and the release of toxic substances by the parasite at the end of each reproductive cycle. Pathology associated with all malarial species is related to the rupture of infected erythrocytes and the release of parasite material and metabolites, hemozoin (i.e., malaria pigment) and cellular debris.