A protozoan parasite is a parasitic, single-celled organism that lives in or on a host and obtains resources from the host.
Protozoan parasites belong to diverse groups of microscopic organisms. Some can cause disease in humans, including Plasmodium, which causes malaria, and Entamoeba histolytica, which can cause amoebiasis.
Protozoan parasites can have complex life cycles involving humans, animals, water, food, or insect vectors. The diseases they cause vary widely depending on the species and the tissues or organs involved.
QUICK FACT
Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Helminth: Protozoan parasites are single-celled, whereas helminths are multicellular parasitic worms.
SEE ALSO