Which type of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum?

Plasmodium falciparum is the most deadly species of malaria parasites and is responsible for causing malignant tertian malaria. This type of malaria is characterized by a cyclical fever pattern occurring every 48 hours, along with more severe clinical manifestations compared to other types. The severity of infections caused by P. falciparum can lead to complications such as cerebral malaria, severe anemia, and multi-organ failure, which distinguishes it from other forms of malaria.

Quartan malaria is caused by Plasmodium malariae and has a fever cycle every 72 hours, while benign tertian malaria is primarily associated with Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale, presenting with a less severe clinical picture. Tertian malaria typically refers to the cyclical pattern of fever every 48 hours but does not specifically indicate the severity associated with P. falciparum infections. Hence, malignant tertian malaria is the correct designation for the type of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum.