The survival of Plasmodium Under oxidant stress

Oxidant stress is associated with the generation of reactive oxygen-derived species, which are considered as the ultimate agents responsible for the damage of a variety of cellular components. Transition metals such as iron ions serve as catalytic centers for the repeated conversion of superoxide radicals or ascorbate to the highly reactive and deleterious hydroxyl radicals and, indeed, increasing amounts of redox-active iron become available during plasmodial development within the parasitized erythrocytes. Thus, the survival of an intracellular parasite depends on the delicate balance of oxidant stress and defense mechanisms. This balance is continuously changing and the parasite must cope with increasing oxidant stress and the decline of protective capacity.