Malaria Eradication and the Hidden Parasite Reservoir

Trends Parasitol. 2017 Jul;33(7):492-495. doi: 10.1016/j.pt.2017.03.002. Epub 2017 Mar 30.

Abstract

Accumulation of erythrocytic parasites in bone marrow and the spleen has been reported in cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria. If this occurs commonly, these stages represent a possible source of early, relapse-like homologous recurrences. Moreover, they might hinder the elimination of malaria from human populations. Pertinent research suggestions have been made.

Keywords: Plasmodium cynomolgi; Plasmodium vivax; elimination; eradication; hypnozoite; relapse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / parasitology
  • Carrier State / parasitology*
  • Disease Eradication*
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Humans
  • Life Cycle Stages / physiology
  • Malaria / parasitology*
  • Malaria / prevention & control
  • Plasmodium vivax / physiology*
  • Recurrence
  • Spleen / parasitology