[Stage-specific antigens at the surface of erythrocytes infected by Plasmodium falciparum. Preliminary study]

Immunofluorescence microscopy, and ultrastructural immunolabelling have been used to localize antigens determinants present on the surface of prefixed erythrocytes infected by P. falciparum. Two classes of antigens have been demonstrated: 1) one located on intact erythrocytes close to the site of invasion; 2) another detected after saponin treatment, and distributed over the entire surface of infected erythrocytes. Such antigens appeared to have a variable expression according to the stage of the parasite.