Sporozoites

Sporozoites are the infective form of the protozoan parasites that cause malaria in humans. They are transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Upon entering the human body, sporozoites make their way to the liver, where they multiply rapidly and eventually make their way back into the bloodstream, causing malaria's characteristic fever and other symptoms. Because they are the infective form of the parasite, sporozoites are critically important in the transmission of malaria and, as such, are a target for a variety of anti-malaria interventions, including vaccines, drugs, and vector control measures.