There are four types of malaria parasite that can infect people. They are single-celled protozoa that can only be seen if viewed under a microscope (figure below).

Developmental stages of malaria parasites.

Developmental stages of malaria parasites (Plasmodium species) in the blood, stained to make them visible when magnified by a microscope. (Source: WHO, 1991, Basic Malaria Microscopy, Part 1: Learner's Guide, 2nd edition).
Last modified: Tuesday, 1 July 2014, 4:24 PM