EXO-ERYTHROCYTIC PHASE OF THE LIFE CYCLE OF MALARIA PARASITE OCCURS IN THE

• A. liver of humans ✓
• B. reticuloendothelial cells of humans
• C. Malpighian tubules of mosquito
• D. brain of humans

The answer to the question is: A. liver of humans

The exo-erythrocytic phase of the life cycle of the malaria parasite occurs in the liver of humans. This phase begins when sporozoites, which are the infective form of the malaria parasite, are injected into the human host’s bloodstream by an infected mosquito during a blood meal. The sporozoites then travel to the liver, where they invade hepatocytes (liver cells) and undergo a period of growth and replication. This phase is characterized by the formation of liver schizonts, which eventually rupture and release merozoites into the bloodstream. These merozoites then invade red blood cells, initiating the erythrocytic phase of the malaria infection.

The exo-erythrocytic phase is a crucial stage in the malaria life cycle as it allows the parasite to multiply and establish a reservoir within the liver before spreading to the bloodstream and causing clinical symptoms of malaria. Understanding this phase is important for developing strategies to prevent and treat malaria infections.