Ring stage classification of Babesia microti and Plasmodium falciparum using optical diffraction 3D tomographic...

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Parasitology

Background:

• Babesia parasites are often misdiagnosed as malaria parasites, leading to improper treatment, particularly in co-endemic regions.
• Optical diffraction tomography (ODT) offers advanced 3D imaging for pathogen detection and cellular analysis.
• Understanding 3D cellular properties is vital for elucidating disease mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate between Plasmodium falciparum and Babesia microti at the single-cell level using ODT.
• To quantify morphological, biochemical, and biophysical parameters for distinguishing these parasites.
• To explore the potential of ODT in differential diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed early ring stages of P. falciparum and B. microti using ODT.
• Quantified 3D morphological parameters like cell surface area and sphericity.
• Measured biochemical parameters including hemoglobin levels and membrane fluctuations.

Main Results:

• B. microti-infected cells exhibited smaller host cell surface area and higher sphericity compared to P. falciparum-infected cells.
• P. falciparum-infected cells showed higher hemoglobin levels and more active membrane fluctuations.
• P. falciparum demonstrated a more significant alteration of host red blood cells than B. microti.

Conclusions:

• Despite microscopic similarities, P. falciparum and B. microti possess distinct 3D properties.
• These quantifiable differences identified by ODT can facilitate differential clinical diagnosis.
• ODT provides a valuable tool for accurate identification of Babesia and malaria infections.