What is the causative agent of malaria?

A pathogen is a microorganism or other agent that can cause disease in a host organism. Some common examples of pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Malaria is a parasitic disease that is caused by a type of protozoan parasite of the genus Plasmodium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Four species of Plasmodium (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae) are responsible for most human malaria infections. Malaria is not caused by viruses, bacteria, or algae.