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Detection of multiple invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium vivax

R N Prasad1, H Prasad, K J Virk

  • 1Malaria Research Centre (ICMR), Shahjahanpur, India.

Tropical Medicine and Parasitology : Official Organ of Deutsche Tropenmedizinische Gesellschaft and of Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
|December 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Multiple Plasmodium vivax parasite invasion of red blood cells was detected in India. Some erythrocytes contained over five rings, with one harboring twelve rings, suggesting unique local parasite strains.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Malariology

Background:

  • Plasmodium vivax is a major cause of malaria globally.
  • Erythrocyte invasion patterns can influence malaria pathogenesis and treatment.
  • Understanding parasite behavior is crucial for malaria control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and extent of multiple erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium vivax.
  • To characterize variations in parasite multiplication within single erythrocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Microscopic examination of blood smears from Plasmodium vivax infected patients.
  • Quantification of parasite rings and schizonts within individual erythrocytes.
  • Analysis of parasite developmental stages within infected red blood cells.

Main Results:

  • Out of 33,027 Plasmodium vivax cases, 84 exhibited multiple erythrocyte invasion.
  • Fourteen cases showed more than five rings per erythrocyte; one erythrocyte contained 12 rings.
  • Multiple schizonts were observed in 5 patients, with merozoite counts ranging from 2-28.
  • Some erythrocytes contained multiple parasite developmental stages.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple erythrocyte invasion by Plasmodium vivax occurs in Shahjahanpur, India.
  • Observed variations in invasion and development may be linked to local Plasmodium vivax strains.
  • Further research into these unique parasite strains is warranted.

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