Eukaryotic microorganisms are organisms with nuclear engulfed membrane cells, for example mitochondria and Golgi apparatus. They may also be multicellular with many cell types that form different kinds of tissue. Eukaryotes reproduce both asexually and sexually through mitosis and meiosis respectively. They represent a small group of all living things but because they are much bigger in size, their combined global biomass is estimate to be close to that of prokaryotes. Many single-cell eukaryotes are a threat to humans since they can cause rigorous diseases, for example, malaria.
Plasmodium
Plasmodium sp. is a single cell parasitic protozoa. It replicates via merogony, which is asexual replication process in red blood cells and produces hemozoin as a side effect of consuming host haemoglobin. Throughout its life cycle, Plasmodium parasites manage to maintain a single copy of their genome. They double the genome briefly during sexual exchange inside the midgut of the insect host.
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Plasmodium parasites cause malaria. The most severe and life threatening form of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum, that is, celebral malaria and failure of multiple organs. These parasites are transmitted through the bite of an insect host, that is, a mosquito. A mosquito introduces the parasites into a vertebrate host.
The symptoms of malaria usually start showing few weeks after being bitten by a mosquito. These symptoms are; abdominal and muscle pains, severe headache, fatigue, chills, high fever and sweating. The gastrointestinal symptoms include; diarrhoea and nausea which causes vomiting.
Treatment of malaria includes antimalarial drugs. This mostly consists of injections and tablets. The medication includes anti-parasites and antibiotics. Anti- parasites kills parasites while antibiotics are for stopping the growth/killing bacteria. It is advisable to take antimalarial drugs before travelling to areas where malaria is common. Also during the stay if it is for a long time and upon arrival back home.
References
Adi, S.M., Simpson, A.G., Lane C.E, Lukes, J., Bass D., Bowser, S.S. ( 2012). The revised classification of eukaryotes. The Journal of Eukaryotic Microbiology , 59(5), 429-93.
