(plaz-mōd'ē-ŭm )

A genus of protozoa belonging to subphylum Sporozoa, class Telosporidia; includes causative agents of malaria in humans and lower animals.

SEE: malaria; mosquito.

P. falciparum The causative agent of malignant (falciparum) malaria.

P. knowlesi A species found in Southeast Asia. It is structurally similar to P. malariae. Although it primarily infects other primates, it can infect humans and produce a debilitating febrile illness.

P. malariae The causative agent of quartan malaria.

P. ovale The causative agent of benign tertian or ovale malaria.

P. vivax The causative agent of benign tertian or vivax malaria.