What is the most deadly species of malaria?

Plasmodium falciparum is recognized as the most deadly species of malaria due to its ability to cause severe disease and high mortality rates if left untreated. It is responsible for the majority of malaria-related deaths worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This species is particularly aggressive because it can lead to complications such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia, and multi-organ failure.

Additionally, P. falciparum has a rapid multiplication rate in the blood, which contributes to the acute and severe manifestations of the disease. Its ability to sequester in various organs, due to the expression of adhesive proteins on the surface of infected red blood cells, results in impaired blood flow and potential organ dysfunction, which further complicates the clinical picture.

In contrast, the other species such as Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale often lead to milder forms of malaria and can trigger relapses because of their dormant liver stages, while Plasmodium malariae is associated with chronic infections that are less acute and severe. Overall, the pathogenicity and rapid progression of P. falciparum infections underscore its classification as the most lethal malaria species.