Malaria Transmission: Parasite and Vector

Steps:

• Recall that malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, known as the malarial pathogen.
• Identify the vector as the female Anopheles mosquito, which transmits the parasite by biting humans.
• Examine each option to match the parasite (pathogen) and vector (female mosquito).
• Select the option that correctly pairs them without including the host (human).

Why C is correct:

• Malaria is defined as a disease caused by the Plasmodium pathogen, transmitted specifically by the female mosquito as the biological vector.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Lists vector (female mosquito) and host (human), omitting the parasite.
• B: Lists host (human) and vector (female mosquito), omitting the parasite.
• D: Lists incorrect vector (male mosquito, which does not transmit) and parasite.

Final answer: C