Enhanced fusion capacity of malaria (Plasmodium berghei)-infected mouse red cells

The capacity of normal and malaria-infected mouse red cells to undergo fusion was investigated by phase contrast microscopy. The fusion of mouse red cells induced by 50% w/w poly(ethylene glycol)-6000 in the presence of Ca+2 is enhanced by P. berghei infection. Cells carrying parasites in the ring form stage and early trophozoite stage show slightly higher fusion induced by dimethyl sulphoxide and Ca+2 than those carrying parasites in trophozoite and schizont stages.