Improving reproducibility of Plasmodium falciparum culture: a large-language-model-driven literature review and a parasite growth variability assessment of donor red blood cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In vitro culture of Plasmodium falciparum forms the basis for many key malaria research areas globally, yet the human red blood cells (RBC) essential for culture remain poorly characterized in most studies, despite growing evidence of substantial donor-dependent variability that can influence parasite growth and experimental outcomes.

Methods

A dual investigation was performed comprising: (1) a large language model-assisted systematic review of 963 PubMed-indexed articles (2000-2025) to assess reporting of RBC sourcing in malaria culture studies; and (2) an experimental analysis of parasite growth variability using standardized P. falciparum strain 3D7 culture with RBC from 69 malaria-naïve volunteers, including detailed haematological profiling of 24 participants

SUBMITTER: Mahomed SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12821831 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature