Malignant malaria is caused by the following species of plasmodium

Options

A. vivax
B. malaria
C. ovale
D. falciparum

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Malaria**: Malaria is a disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium. There are five known species of Plasmodium that infect humans and cause malaria.

2. **Identifying the Species**: The five species of Plasmodium that cause malaria are:
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Plasmodium malariae
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium knowlesi

3. **Defining Malignant Malaria**: Among these species, Plasmodium falciparum is specifically known to cause malignant malaria, which is characterized by severe symptoms and complications.

4. **Comparing the Species**: The other species (P. malariae, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. knowlesi) are associated with less severe forms of malaria and are considered less infectious compared to P. falciparum.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the species of Plasmodium that causes malignant malaria is **Plasmodium falciparum**.

**Final Answer**: Malignant malaria is caused by **Plasmodium falciparum**.

---