A novel flow cytometric hemozoin detection assay for real-time sensitivity testing of Plasmodium falciparum.

ABSTRACT: Resistance of Plasmodium falciparum to almost all antimalarial drugs, including the first-line treatment with artemisinins, has been described, representing an obvious threat to malaria control. In vitro antimalarial sensitivity testing is crucial to detect and monitor drug resistance. Current assays have been successfully used to detect drug effects on parasites. However, they have some limitations, such as the use of radioactive or expensive reagents or long incubation times. Here we describe a novel assay to detect antimalarial drug effects, based on flow cytometric detection of hemozoin (Hz), which is rapid and does not require any additional reagents. Hz is an optimal parasite maturation indicator since its amount increases as the parasite matures. Due to its physical property of bire

SUBMITTER: Rebelo M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3634823 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature