Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding Plasmodium falciparum ?

Options

A. It causes malignant malaria
B. It is transmitted by mosquito
C. It is a helminth
D. It may be fatal

Answer

To determine which statement regarding Plasmodium falciparum is incorrect, let's analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Identify the nature of Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium falciparum is a protozoan parasite that causes malaria. It is not a helminth (which are worms).

**Hint:** Remember that Plasmodium belongs to the kingdom Protista, while helminths belong to the kingdom Animalia.

### Step 2: Evaluate its role in malaria
Plasmodium falciparum is known to cause malignant malaria, which is the most severe form of malaria and can lead to serious complications or death.

**Hint:** Malignant malaria is specifically associated with Plasmodium falciparum, distinguishing it from other species.

### Step 3: Consider its transmission
Plasmodium falciparum is transmitted by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. This is a well-established fact in the study of malaria.

**Hint:** The vector for malaria is crucial to understanding its transmission dynamics.

### Step 4: Assess the potential severity
Infections caused by Plasmodium falciparum can indeed be fatal if not treated properly. This highlights the importance of timely medical intervention.

**Hint:** The severity of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is a key reason for its public health significance.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- It causes malignant malaria (True)
- It is transmitted by mosquito (True)
- It is a helminth (False)
- It may be fatal (True)

Thus, the incorrect statement regarding Plasmodium falciparum is that "it is a helminth."

**Final Answer:** The incorrect statement is: "It is a helminth."