Question

Man in the life cycle of plasmodium is:

• A. Intermediate host
• B. Secondary host
• C. Primary host
• D. None of the option

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Secondary host

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Humans and other vertebrates are secondary hosts.
2. Plasmodium parasites’ primary hosts and transmission vectors are female Anopheles mosquitoes.
3. The mosquitoes first take in the parasite by feeding on the blood of an infected person.
4. In the mosquitoes’ gut the gametocytes (male and female) from the infected person fuse to form an ookinete that penetrates the gut lining and produces an oocyst in the gut wall.
5. When the oocyst ruptures, it releases sporozoites that migrate through the mosquito's body to the salivary glands sporozoites. This is the phase of sexual reproduction. The mosquito then becomes ready to infect a new individual.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option A:

The intermediate host of malarial parasites is a mosquito of the genus anopheles that can infect humans and other mammals. E.g. mosquito

Option C:

A primary host or definitive host is a host in which the parasite reaches maturity and, if applicable, reproduces sexually.

Final Answer: Humans and other vertebrates are secondary hosts in the lifecycle of Plasmodium sp.