Life cycle of the protozoa is complex occurring in man and in the mosquito. Its life cycle comprised of both the sexual and asexual forms. Sexual cycle is the mosquito, while the asexual cycle in man. The parasites enter the host s blood stream as the mosquito bites for a blood meal, unaware to her. Hepatocytes ruptures to released merozoites that enter red blood cells.
Mitotic divisions occur in the cells giving rise to schizonts.
These red cells ruptures, releasing mature merozoites. Multiplication is at a phenomenal rate, a single vivax give rise to 250 millions in days. Some parasites fused to form gametocytes in red blood cell and their life cycle completes only in the mosquito. These then migrate to the salivary gland, waiting to re-infect again. Periodic episodes of fever correlates with periodic synchronised rupture of RBC with the release of merozoites and cell debris.