Malarial parasite is a

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium [1]. These organisms are specifically classified as unicellular protozoans, which are single-celled eukaryotic organisms [3]. Unlike bacteria or viruses, protozoan parasites like Plasmodium have more complex life cycles, often requiring multiple hosts, such as humans and female Anopheles mosquitoes, to complete their development [1]. In humans, the parasite primarily infects red blood cells and the liver, leading to symptoms like periodic chills, high fever, and anemia [3]. While there are many species of Plasmodium, five are known to cause malaria in humans, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most severe [3]. It is explicitly established that the malarial parasite is not a bacterium, virus, or fungus [4].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Malaria > p. 78
2. [3] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 3: Health: The Ultimate Treasure > Activity 3.4: Let us find out > p. 35
3. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > Malaria > p. 79
4. [4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7792015/