• The Plasmodium parasite enters the human body as sporozoites. They multiply in liver cells and then release merozoites.

• These merozoites then infect red blood cells (RBCs). Inside the RBCs, they develop into trophozoites, multiply asexually, and eventually burst the RBCs to release more merozoites, which then infect new RBCs. This cyclical rupture of RBCs is key to the symptoms.

• The bursting of RBCs releases not only more parasites but also toxins (hemozoin, waste products) into the bloodstream. It is this release of parasites and toxins that triggers the body's immune response, leading to the characteristic recurring chills and fever.

• Gametocytes are the sexual stages that are taken up by mosquitoes. Their destruction by WBCs is not the direct cause of the recurring fever and chills in the human host.