Blood monocyte oxidative burst activity in acute P. falciparum malaria

The release of superoxide anion from blood monocytes was studied in eight patients with acute primary attack P. falciparum malaria. Before treatment a significant enhancement of the oxidative burst prevailed, which contrasts with previous findings of a depressed monocyte chemotactic responsiveness. During treatment and after clinical recovery the activity of superoxide anion release normalized in all patients.