Estimation of the total parasite biomass in acute falciparum malaria from plasma PfHRP2.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In falciparum malaria sequestration of erythrocytes containing mature forms of Plasmodium falciparum in the microvasculature of vital organs is central to pathology, but quantitation of this hidden sequestered parasite load in vivo has not previously been possible. The peripheral blood parasite count measures only the circulating, relatively non-pathogenic parasite numbers. P. falciparum releases a specific histidine-rich protein (PfHRP2) into plasma. Quantitative measurement of plasma PfHRP2 concentrations may reflect the total parasite biomass in falciparum malaria.

Methods and findings

We measured plasma concentrations of PfHRP2, using a quantitative antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in 337 adult patients with falciparum malaria of varying seve

SUBMITTER: Dondorp AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1188247 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature