Plasmodium (Laverania)

Plasmodium (Laverania). Plasmodium (Laverania) is a subgenus of Plasmodium, a genus of apicomplexan parasites. This subgenus is known for including species that cause malaria in humans and other vertebrates. The subgenus was first described by F. W. O. Möhl in 1859 and later revised by R. W. G. Macan and A. S. Coatney in 1967. Plasmodium (Laverania) species are transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes.

Taxonomy and classification

The subgenus Plasmodium (Laverania) is classified within the family Plasmodiidae, order Haemosporida, class Aconoidasida, and phylum Apicomplexa. The taxonomy of Plasmodium (Laverania) has undergone several revisions, with some studies suggesting that it is a distinct subgenus, while others consider it a part of the genus Plasmodium. Peter Medawar and John Cairns contributed significantly to the understanding of the taxonomy of Plasmodium species.

Morphology and life cycle

The life cycle of Plasmodium (Laverania) species involves two hosts: a vertebrate host and an anopheline mosquito vector. The parasite undergoes schizogony in the vertebrate host, resulting in the production of merozoites, which infect red blood cells. The mosquito ingests infected red blood cells during a blood meal, and the parasite undergoes sporogony in the mosquito, resulting in the production of sporozoites, which are transmitted to a new vertebrate host. Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch made significant contributions to the understanding of the life cycle of Plasmodium species.

Species and host specificity

Several species of Plasmodium (Laverania) have been identified, including Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae. Each species has a specific host range, with some species infecting only humans, while others infect a range of vertebrates, including non-human primates, birds, and reptiles. Jane Goodall and Charles Darwin studied the host specificity of Plasmodium species in their natural habitats.

Pathogenesis and disease in humans

Plasmodium (Laverania) species are the causative agents of malaria in humans. The disease is characterized by fever, chills, and anemia, and can be severe and life-threatening if left untreated. Malaria is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Bill Gates and WHO have been actively involved in efforts to control and eliminate malaria.

Genomic characteristics

The genome of Plasmodium (Laverania) species has been extensively studied, with several species having been sequenced, including Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The genome of these parasites is characterized by a high degree of genetic diversity, which is thought to be due to the parasite's ability to evade the immune system of its host. Craig Venter and Eric Lander contributed significantly to the sequencing of the Plasmodium genome.

Evolutionary history and phylogeny

The evolutionary history of Plasmodium (Laverania) species has been studied using phylogenetic analysis and molecular clock approaches. These studies have shown that the subgenus Plasmodium (Laverania) is thought to have originated in Africa, where it evolved from a common ancestor with other Plasmodium species. Charles Darwin and Theodosius Dobzhansky contributed to the understanding of the evolutionary history of Plasmodium species.

Category:Apicomplexa