What is the toxic metabolic byproduct released upon the synchronous rupture of infected human erythrocytes during the erythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium, responsible for recurring chills and high fever?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Hemozoin

  1. Step 1: In malaria, merozoites enter human erythrocytes and feed on the globin portion of hemoglobin.
  2. Step 2: The toxic, insoluble free heme is detoxified by the parasite into a crystalline pigment called hemozoin (malarial pigment).
  3. Step 3: When schizonts mature, the infected RBCs rupture synchronously, releasing merozoites along with hemozoin granules into the bloodstream.
  4. Step 4: Hemozoin triggers macrophages to release pyrogenic cytokines ( and ), causing recurring paroxysms of severe chills and spiking fever every 3 to 4 days.
Answer
Hemozoin
Why not the others: 'Bilirubin' is a normal bile pigment produced by the degradation of heme in the reticuloendothelial system; 'Histamine' is an inflammatory amine released by mast cells and basophils; 'Interferon' is an antiviral cytokine produced by virus-infected host cells.

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