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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
Isolation and Analysis of Brain-sequestered Leukocytes from Plasmodium berghei ANKA-infected Mice
Published on: January 2, 2013
Thymic alterations in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice
C F Andrade1, J Gameiro, P R A Nagib
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biology Institute, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Malaria parasites infect the thymus, causing severe structural damage and impairing T-cell development. This study reveals the thymus as a target organ in malaria, impacting immune function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The thymus is crucial for T-cell maturation and immune function.
- Infectious diseases can severely alter thymus structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the thymus is a target organ during experimental malaria.
- To analyze parasite presence and histological changes in the thymus during Plasmodium berghei infection.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65.
- Thymuses were analyzed for parasite presence and histological alterations after 14 days.
Main Results:
- Parasites were detected within the thymus 14 days post-infection.
- Significant thymic atrophy and loss of architecture were observed.
Conclusions:
- Plasmodium berghei infection targets the thymus, leading to structural damage.
- Thymic microenvironment alterations impair T-cell development, potentially affecting the systemic immune response.
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