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Augmented plasma microparticles during acute Plasmodium vivax infection
Fernanda M F Campos1, Bernardo S Franklin, Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho
1Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av, Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte, MG 30190-002, Brazil.
Malaria Journal
|November 18, 2010
Summary
Microparticle (MP) levels significantly increase during acute Plasmodium vivax malaria, particularly platelet-derived MPs, which correlate with fever and symptom duration. These MPs may contribute to inflammatory symptoms in malaria vivax.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are vesicles released from cells during activation or apoptosis.
- MPs are increasingly studied in inflammation and infectious diseases.
- The role of MPs in Plasmodium vivax malaria remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if Plasmodium vivax infection is associated with elevated circulating MPs.
- To determine if MPs play a role in acute vivax malaria symptoms in non-immune patients.
Main Methods:
- Plasma MPs were analyzed using flow cytometry in 37 patients with uncomplicated P. vivax malaria.
- MP phenotype was assessed using annexin and specific cell surface markers.
- MP frequencies were compared between P. vivax patients, malaria-unexposed controls, and ovarian carcinoma patients.
Main Results:
- Plasma MP frequencies were significantly higher in P. vivax patients compared to controls.
- Platelet-derived MPs (PMPs) increased linearly with fever and symptom duration.
- PMP levels decreased with increased clinical malaria experience.
Conclusions:
- Abundant circulating MPs are present during acute P. vivax infection.
- Platelet-derived MPs may contribute to acute inflammatory symptoms in malaria vivax.
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