The most serious form of malaria is caused by :

Options

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

Answer

To determine the most serious form of malaria, we need to analyze the options provided:

1. **Understanding Malaria**: Malaria is caused by a group of protozoan parasites known as Plasmodium. There are several species of Plasmodium that can infect humans.

2. **Identifying the Options**:
- **Plasmodium vivax**: This species causes a milder form of malaria and is the most common type.
- **Plasmodium malariae**: This species causes a less severe form of malaria and is less common.
- **Plasmodium falciparum**: This species is known to cause the most severe and deadly form of malaria. It is responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths worldwide.
- **Plasmodium ovale**: This species also causes a milder form of malaria and is less common.

3. **Conclusion**: Among the options, **Plasmodium falciparum** is recognized as the most serious form of malaria due to its potential to cause severe illness and complications, including cerebral malaria and death.

Thus, the answer to the question is **Plasmodium falciparum**.