malaria Four plasmodium species are responsible for causing malaria in humans. The disease has been eradicated in the united states, uk, indian, canada but in the developing world control measures have had little effect to date.
Common name: malaria
Kingdom of species: about 4,000 described to date
Size: mostly few microns, occasionally up to 0.4 in (10 mm) long
Key features: single cells, usually elongate; tips of the cell contain a complex of filaments
Breeding: life cycles often involve sexual phases and multiple hosts
Diet: nutrients absorbed host
Habitat: Bodies of other animals, either inside or alongside host cells
Distribution: worldwide, especially prevalent in tropical regions.