Which of the following causes malignant malaria ?

Options

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

Answer

To solve the question "Which of the following causes malignant malaria?", we will analyze the options provided and determine which species of Plasmodium is responsible for malignant malaria.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Question**: The question is asking for the specific species of Plasmodium that causes malignant malaria.

2. **Identify the Options**: The options given are:
- A) Plasmodium vivax
- B) Plasmodium falciparum
- C) Plasmodium ovale
- D) Plasmodium malariae

3. **Define Malignant Malaria**: Malignant malaria is characterized by severe symptoms, including prolonged fever and chills. It is a more severe form of malaria compared to benign forms.

4. **Research Each Option**:
- **Plasmodium vivax**: Causes benign tertian malaria, which is characterized by fever occurring every second day. It does not cause malignant malaria.
- **Plasmodium falciparum**: This species is known to cause malignant malaria. It is associated with high parasitemia (more than 5% of red blood cells infected) and severe symptoms.
- **Plasmodium ovale**: Similar to P. vivax, it also causes benign tertian malaria and does not cause malignant malaria.
- **Plasmodium malariae**: Causes benign quartan malaria, where fever occurs every third day, and is not responsible for malignant malaria.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the species that causes malignant malaria is **Plasmodium falciparum**.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is **B) Plasmodium falciparum**.