SYBR^® Green I-Based Fluorescence Assay to Assess Cell Viability of Malaria Parasites for Routine Use in Compound Screening

Owing to its fast and reliable assessment of parasite growth, the SYBR^® Green I-based fluorescence assay is widely used to monitor drug susceptibility of malaria parasites. Its particular advantages are that it is a simple, one-step procedure and very cost-effective making it especially suited for high through put screening of newly developed drugs and drug combinations. Here we describe a SYBR^® Green I-based fluorescence assay protocol to be used for routine screening of compounds and extracts in a research laboratory environment. A variation of the standard protocol is also provided allowing to address stage-specific effects of fast-acting drugs.