There are 5 types of Malaria, caused by different forms of the Plasmodium parasite.
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Plasmodium ovale
- Plasmodium vivax
- Plasmodium malariae
A fifth form known as Plasmodium knowlesi primarily affects monkeys. Plasmodium vivax and falciparum are the most common, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most dangerous form. Plasmodium vivax and ovale parasites can lie dormant in the liver- there have been cases where Malaria “reactivates” many years later.
