Related Experiment Videos
Infection of chimpanzees with Nigerian I/CDC strain of Plasmodium ovale
W E Collins1, M Pappaioanou, H M McClure
1Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia 30333.
Abstract:
Seven splenectomized chimpanzees were infected with the Nigerian I/CDC strain of Plasmodium ovale. Two of the animals had no history of previous malarial infection whereas three had been infected with P. vivax, one with P. malariae, and one with P. vivax and P. malariae. The two animals with no previous malarial experience had maximum parasitemias of 88,700 and 127,000 per mm3 while the other animals had maximum parasitemias ranging from 10,100 to 60,600 per mm3. Anopheles freeborni, An. dirus, An. stephensi, and An. gambiae were readily infected via membrane feeding on heparinized blood obtained from these chimpanzees during the ascending phases of their primary attacks. The parasitemias in the chimpanzees with previous malarial experience were transient.
Insights
This study infected splenectomized chimpanzees with Plasmodium ovale, finding that those with no prior malaria history developed higher parasitemia. Mosquitoes readily became infected, indicating potential transmission dynamics of this malaria parasite.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Primatology
Background:
- Plasmodium ovale is a significant cause of malaria, particularly in Africa.
- Understanding Plasmodium ovale infection dynamics in non-human primates is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the course of Plasmodium ovale infection in splenectomized chimpanzees.
- To assess the impact of prior malaria infections on the severity of Plasmodium ovale infection.
- To determine the infectivity of infected chimpanzee blood to various Anopheles mosquito species.
Main Methods:
- Seven splenectomized chimpanzees were inoculated with the Nigerian I/CDC strain of Plasmodium ovale.
- Chimpanzees included individuals with no prior malaria exposure and those with previous infections (P. vivax, P. malariae, or both).
- Mosquitoes (Anopheles freeborni, An. dirus, An. stephensi, An. gambiae) were infected via membrane feeding using blood from infected chimpanzees.
Main Results:
- Chimpanzees with no previous malaria infection exhibited higher peak parasitemias (88,700 and 127,000 parasites/mm3) compared to those with prior infections (10,100–60,600 parasites/mm3).
- All tested Anopheles species were successfully infected when feeding on blood during the ascending phase of infection.
- Parasitemias in chimpanzees with prior malaria experience were transient.
Conclusions:
- Splenectomized chimpanzees can be effectively infected with Plasmodium ovale.
- Prior malaria infections may influence the severity of subsequent Plasmodium ovale infections.
- Infected chimpanzees serve as a viable source for infecting various Anopheles mosquito vectors, highlighting potential transmission pathways.