Types of Malaria

Malaria is grouped by the parasite species that causes it. The type decides how severe the illness is and which medicine is used.

Plasmodium falciparum

The most dangerous type. It can cause severe malaria with brain involvement, kidney failure and severe anaemia. It is the most common cause of malaria deaths worldwide. It needs urgent treatment.

Plasmodium vivax

The most common type in India. It is usually less severe, but the parasite can stay dormant in the liver and cause relapses weeks or months later. Treatment needs an extra medicine to clear the liver stage, and a test for G6PD deficiency is usually done first.

Plasmodium malariae

Causes milder illness with fever every 3 days. Infection can persist at low levels for years if not treated.

Plasmodium ovale

Similar to vivax, with possible relapses. Uncommon in India.

Plasmodium knowlesi

Found mainly in parts of Southeast Asia, carried by monkeys and mosquitoes. It multiplies quickly and can become severe.

Other ways to group malaria

• Uncomplicated malaria: fever and symptoms without organ failure. Treated with oral medicines.
• Severe malaria: organ involvement. Needs hospital care and injectable medicine.
• Mixed infection: more than one species at once.
• Relapse versus new infection: relapse comes from dormant liver parasites, not a new bite.

Ayurvedic view

Intermittent fevers are classified in Ayurveda by their timing, such as Satata, Anyedyushka, Tritiyaka and Chaturthaka. These classical groups are a traditional reading and do not match species exactly.