Malignant malaria is caused by

Explanation-

Malaria is caused by four species.
Plasmodium vivax- Its incubation period is 14 days. It causes Benign Tertian Malaria. Recurrence of fever is after every 48 hours.
Plasmodium falciparum- Its incubation period is 12 days. It causes Malignant Tertian Malaria.
Plasmodium malariae- Its incubation period is 28 days. Recurrence of fever is after every 72 hours. It causes Quartan Malaria.
Plasmodium ovale- usually not seen in India. The incubation period is 14 days. It causes Mild Tertial Malaria.

Out of the four species, Plasmodium falciparum causes malignant malaria.


Final Answer-

So, The correct option is D (Plasmodium falciparum).