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Characterization of Maurer's clefts in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes

Malin Haeggström1, Anne VON Euler, Fred Kironde

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Tumor- and Cellbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|January 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Georg Maurer first described structures in Plasmodium falciparum-infected cells in 1902. Modern studies reveal these Giemsa-stained Maurer

Area of Science:

  • Malariology
  • Cell Biology
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Georg Maurer first described Giemsa-stained structures in Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in 1902, now known as Maurer's clefts.
  • Disagreements arose regarding the composition of Maurer's clefts due to differing descriptions from light microscopy (Giemsa staining) and electron microscopy.
  • Clarifying the composition of Maurer's clefts is crucial for understanding Plasmodium falciparum pathogenesis and developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize Maurer's clefts during the intraerythrocytic development of Plasmodium falciparum.
  • To reconcile differing descriptions of Maurer's clefts obtained through Giemsa staining and transmission electron microscopy.
  • To determine the precise localization of key Plasmodium falciparum antigens within infected erythrocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Simultaneous staining of cytosolic structures in infected erythrocytes using indirect immunofluorescence assays with antibodies and Giemsa staining.
  • Characterization of Maurer's clefts during intraerythrocytic development.
  • Comparison of immunofluorescence data with transmission electron microscopy findings.

Main Results:

  • At least three distinct groups of antigens were detected in Giemsa-stained structures: P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1)/ RIFIN/SURFIN, P. falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2), and exported proteins 1 and 2 (Exp1 and Exp2).
  • PfHRP2 and Exp1/Exp2 were not found in structures identified as clefts by transmission electron microscopy.
  • Giemsa staining identified a broader range of cytoplasmic structures and antigens compared to structures visualized by electron microscopy.

Conclusions:

  • Maurer's clefts, as defined by Giemsa staining, encompass a wider array of cytoplasmic structures and antigens than those identified as clefts by transmission electron microscopy.
  • The composition of Maurer's clefts is heterogeneous, including structures and antigens not visualized by electron microscopy.
  • Reconciling microscopy techniques is essential for accurate characterization of parasite-infected cell components.

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