Erythrocytic phase of Plasmodium vivax is completed in

Options

A. 24 hours
B. 72 hours
C. 36 hours
D. 48 hours.

Answer

To answer the question regarding the duration of the erythrocytic phase of Plasmodium vivax, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Erythrocytic Phase**:
- The erythrocytic phase, also known as the asexual phase, occurs within the red blood cells (RBCs) of the infected host.

2. **Process of Erythrocytic Schizogony**:
- During this phase, the merozoites invade the RBCs and transform into young trophozoites. This is a crucial stage where the parasite begins to multiply.

3. **Development of Trophozoites**:
- The young trophozoite grows in size and forms a structure known as the signet ring trophozoite. It also develops a food vacuole where digestion occurs, aided by proteolytic enzymes.

4. **Digestion of Hemoglobin**:
- The hemoglobin in the RBCs is enzymatically broken down into proteins and hematin components, allowing the trophozoite to grow further into an amoeboid trophozoite.

5. **Formation of Schizont**:
- The amoeboid trophozoite then develops into a schizont, which undergoes multiple nuclear divisions to produce 12 to 24 nuclei.

6. **Duration of the Erythrocytic Phase**:
- The entire erythrocytic phase for Plasmodium vivax takes approximately 48 hours to complete. This duration is consistent with the life cycle of this specific Plasmodium species.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the erythrocytic phase of Plasmodium vivax is completed in **48 hours**.

### Final Answer:
**48 hours**