Observations on the periodicity of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in natural human infections
Magesa, S., Mdira, YK., Akida, JA., Bygbjerg, IC., & Jakobsen, PH. (2000). Observations on the periodicity of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in natural human infections. Acta Tropica, 76(3), 239-246. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0001-706X(00)00110-8
Abstract
The circadian periodicity of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in peripheral blood was analysed in a group of children from an holoendemic community of north-eastern Tanzania. No periodicity was observed with asexual stage parasites. Gametocytes were shown to display a diurnal subperiodic pattern with a periodicity index of 31. 8. Mathematical analysis of the data indicated that P. falciparum gametocytes tend to display periodicity with a peak (15:30-19:30 h) that do not coincide with the peak (00:30-03:30 h) biting activity of the local vector, Anopheles gambiae. We were thus able to show a P. falciparum gametocyte periodicity with a harmonic wave pattern, but its functional biological significance if any, is currently unknown
To contact an RTI author, request a report, or for additional information about publications by our experts, send us your request.