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Plasmodium ovale is a species of parasitic protozoan that causes malaria in humans. It is one of five Plasmodium species known to infect humans, with P. vivax being the most widespread and P. falciparum causing the most severe symptoms.12

The parasite is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once in the human bloodstream, the parasites travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply. They then invade red blood cells, causing them to rupture and leading to the characteristic symptoms of malaria, such as chills, fever, and sweating. P. ovale infections, like those caused by P. vivax, can result in relapses months or even years after the initial infection because some parasites can remain dormant in the liver.12

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