Factors Affecting Erythrocyte Destruction in Malaria.
Abstract
The relationship between the malaria parasite and the host erythrocyte, and the fine structure of the malaria parasite and the host erythrocyte were studied by various microscopic techniques. The techniques used included freeze etching, carbon replication, scanning electron-microscopy and phase and Nomarski microscopy. On the basis of these studies it was concluded that penetration by a merozoite produces little effect on erythrocytes of chickens, mice or rats. The erythrocytes, however, become progressively more distorted and their membranes become rougher and more irregular as the parasites increase in size. When parasitemias are still low, and before anemia becomes severe, nonparasitized erythrocytes in the infected animals circulation may show little change from normal. When parasitemias are high and anemia is severe and particularly when many basophilic erythrocytes are present in the circulation, many nonparasitized erythrocytes are irregularly shaped and have rough distorted membranes. Some of the membrane characteristics and shape irregularities seen in these later stages of the patent parasitamia, and also still later during recovery, are similar to those seen in animals compensating for blood loss following bleeding. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0721015
Entities
People
- Julius P. Kreier
Organizations
- Ohio State University