Plasmodium parasites are single-celled organisms that cause malaria, a serious and sometimes fatal disease. There are five species of Plasmodium that infect humans: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. Among these, P. falciparum and P. vivax are the most common and pose significant health risks, especially in pediatric populations.
