

There are many different types of plasmodium parasite, but only five types cause malaria in humans.

These are:

  • Plasmodium falciparum mainly found in Africa, it's the most common type of malaria parasite and is responsible for most malaria deaths worldwide
  • Plasmodium vivax mainly found in Asia and South America, this parasite causes milder symptoms than Plasmodium falciparum, but it can stay in the liver for up to three years, which can result in relapses
  • Plasmodium ovale fairly uncommon and usually found in West Africa, it can remain in your liver for several years without producing symptoms
  • Plasmodium malariae this is quite rare and usually only found in Africa
  • Plasmodium knowlesi this is very rare and found in parts of southeast Asia

How malaria is spread





Malaria can also be spread through blood transfusion and the sharing of needles, but this is very rare.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016