Initiation of gametocytogenesis at very low parasite density in Plasmodium falciparum infection.

ABSTRACT: The recent focus on the elimination of malaria has led to an increased interest in the role of sexual stages in its transmission. We introduce Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte exported protein-5 (PfGEXP5) transcript analysis as an important tool for evaluating the earliest (ring) stage sexual gametocytes in the blood of infected individuals. We show that gametocyte rings are detected in the peripheral blood immediately following establishment of asexual infections-without the need for triggers such as high-density asexual parasitemia or drug treatment. Committed gametocytes are refractory to the commonly used drug piperaquine, and mature gametocytes reappear in the bloodstream 10 days after the initial appearance of gametocyte rings. A further wave of commitment is observed following recru

SUBMITTER: Farid R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5426372 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature