There are several malaria parasite, that may rely on different infection patways
Plasmodium malariae, the third most widespread human malaria parasite, remains largely understudied. A recent field-based study conducted in Mali provides valuable information about its biology and infection mechanisms.
Scientists from IRD and their Malian partners observed that infection with P. malariae is frequently associated with cases of anemia, even in asymptomatic individuals, highlighting its often underestimated health impact. In addition to anemia, this parasite is responsible for recurrent fever episodes and, in some cases—especially among children—kidney complications.
Different invasion pathways
P. malariae may not use the same red blood cell invasion pathways as P. falciparum. Antibodies typically effective at blocking parasite entry into red blood cells had no effect on P. malariae.
However, by slightly modifying the surface of red blood cells using enzymes, scientists were able to reduce the parasite’s entry, suggesting that it uses alternative routes to infect cells. Furthermore, P. malariae appears capable of infecting not only mature red blood cells but also reticulocytes, the younger red blood cells—demonstrating unexpected flexibility in its invasion strategies.
These discoveries open new avenues for a better understanding of this long-neglected parasite and may contribute to the development of more effective treatment tools to combat it.
Olivier Blot
