Large scale culture technique for pure Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes

A large scale technique for pure gametocyte cultures of Plasmodium falciparum was established in culture flasks by using treated erythrocytes and RPMI medium supplemented with 15% human plasma instead of serum. Pure gametocyte cultures were successfully obtained following treatment with 5% sorbitol on day 8 and 9 of cultivation. This method resulted in approximately 97% reduction of asexual parasites and provided pure gametocytes in culture. The highest numbers of gametocytes were obtained from cultures starting with 2% parasitemia and 2% erythrocyte suspension. On day 12 of cultivation, approximately 35 x 10(6) gametocytes per 100 ml of cell suspension could be harvested.