Plasmodium falciparum-origin and evolution
Author(s): Shruti Shukla
Abstract: Plasmodium falciparum is a unicellular protozoan parasite and the most lethal causative agent of human malaria. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected female
Anopheles mosquito and is responsible for nearly all malaria-related deaths globally, with over 95% of fatalities occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. The evolutionary origins of
P. falciparum trace back approximately 10,000 years to
Laverania parasites found in gorillas, and its closest genetic relative is
P. praefalciparum. The life cycle of
P. falciparum is complex, involving multiple morphological stages in both human and mosquito hosts, including sporozoites, merozoites, trophozoites, and gametocytes. In humans, the parasite targets liver cells and red blood cells, initiating cycles of replication that correspond to the febrile symptoms of malaria. The virulence of
P. falciparum is primarily due to its ability to evade the host immune system through antigenic variation, the production of immunomodulatory proteins, and the sequestration of infected erythrocytes in the microvasculature, contributing to cerebral malaria and multi-organ failure.
Historically, the disease was known to ancient civilizations including the Greeks and Romans, with significant advances in its understanding beginning in the late 19th century through the contributions of scientists such as Laveran, Ross, and Grassi. The parasite’s genome, fully sequenced in 2002, revealed significant AT richness and over 5,300 genes, many of which are involved in immune evasion. Despite strong immune recognition, the parasite often survives due to suppression of immune signaling and strategic localization in host tissues. The discovery of host genetic adaptations, such as sickle cell trait and thalassemia, further highlights the evolutionary arms race between humans and P. falciparum. Ongoing research into the parasite’s biology, host-vector interactions, and immune evasion mechanisms is critical for developing effective control strategies and reducing the global malaria burden.
DOI: 10.22271/multi.2025.v7.i4b.657Pages: 250-253 | Views: 99 | Downloads: 56Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Shruti Shukla.
Plasmodium falciparum-origin and evolution. Int J Multidiscip Trends 2025;7(4):250-253. DOI:
10.22271/multi.2025.v7.i4b.657
Research Journals