File:Malaria plasmodium falciparum.jpg

Malaria (plasmodium falciparum)

Malaria, described as a disease of poverty and underdevelopment, is caused by a protozoan parasite infecting mainly red blood cells (erythrocytes). Pregnant women have an increased susceptibility to malaria infection and this can lead to an infection of the placenta by sequestration of the infected red blood cells leading to low birth weight and other fetal developmental effects. There are four types of malaria caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum (main), Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malariae.

Image source: CDC