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Plasmodium oval typically invades only

User Pierrette
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Final answer:

Plasmodium ovale specifically invades human red blood cells, and is one of the four species that can cause malaria in humans after developing in the liver cells of the host.

Step-by-step explanation:

Plasmodium ovale typically invades only the red blood cells of humans during its complex life cycle. This species is one of the four Plasmodium species known to infect humans and cause malaria. Like other Plasmodium species, P. ovale completes part of its life cycle in the liver cells of the vertebrate host before moving on to infect red blood cells. The destruction of red blood cells leads to symptoms such as fever, anemia, and fatigue, which are characteristic of malaria.

Of note, each Plasmodium species has adaptations that may affect the severity of the disease or its treatment response. For instance, P. falciparum is known for causing the most severe cases of malaria and has developed drug resistance in some regions, complicating treatment efforts.

User Patrick Eaton
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