In Plasmodium vivax, how often does benign tertian malaria occur?

In Plasmodium vivax, also known as the causative agent of benign tertian malaria, the infection typically leads to episodes of fever that occur every 48 hours. This pattern is a result of the parasite's life cycle and the synchronous release of merozoites into the bloodstream after they multiply within red blood cells. The 48-hour cycle of fever and chills is characteristic of this species and is indicative of the tertian malaria pattern, differentiating it from other malaria types which may present different rhythms.

The intervals of other options do not align with the biological rhythm of P. vivax. For instance, a 24-hour cycle would be more characteristic of Plasmodium falciparum, which causes quartan malaria with daily fever spikes. Similarly, a 72-hour or 36-hour cycle would not reflect the typical manifestation of P. vivax malaria and would misrepresent the timing of symptomatic episodes. Therefore, the correct understanding reinforces that benign tertian malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax displays a 48-hour cycle of fever.