What is the Difference Between Merozoites and Sporozoites?

Merozoites and sporozoites are two different stages in the life cycle of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium. The key differences between them are:

• Infection target: Merozoites are the form of the malaria parasite that infects red blood cells, while sporozoites are the form that infects liver cells.
• Release: Merozoites are released from mature schizonts, while sporozoites are released from mature oocysts.
• Clinical onset: The clinical onset of malaria is due to the rupture of infected red blood cells, not the rupture of liver cells.

In summary, merozoites and sporozoites are two distinct stages in the life cycle of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium. Merozoites infect human red blood cells and destroy them, while sporozoites infect liver cells and destroy them.

Comparative Table: Merozoites vs Sporozoites

Here is a table comparing the differences between merozoites and sporozoites:

Merozoites and sporozoites are two forms of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium, which is a parasitic protozoan and the causative agent of malaria. Merozoites infect human red blood cells and destroy them, while sporozoites infect liver cells and destroy them. The clinical onset of malaria is due to the rupture of infected red blood cells, not the rupture of liver cells.