Molecular evidence for the localization of Plasmodium falciparum immature gametocytes in bone marrow
Details
Publication Year 2014-02,Volume 123,Issue #7,Page 959-966
Journal Title
Blood
Publication Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum immature gametocytes are not observed in peripheral blood. However, gametocyte stages in organs such as bone marrow have never been assessed by molecular techniques, which are more sensitive than optical microscopy. We quantified P falciparum sexual stages in bone marrow (n = 174) and peripheral blood (n = 70) of Mozambican anemic children by quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting transcripts specific for early (PF14_0748; PHISTa), intermediate (PF13_0247; Pfs48/45), and mature (PF10_0303; Pfs25) gametocytes. Among children positive for the P falciparum housekeeping gene (PF08_0085; ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme gene) in bone marrow (n = 136) and peripheral blood (n = 25), prevalence of immature gametocytes was higher in bone marrow than peripheral blood (early: 95% vs 20%, P<.001; intermediate: 80% vs 16%; P<.001), as were transcript levels (P<.001 for both stages). In contrast, mature gametocytes were more prevalent (100% vs 51%, P<.001) and abundant (P<.001) in peripheral blood than in the bone marrow. Severe anemia (3.57, 95% confidence interval 1.49-8.53) and dyserythropoiesis (6.21, 95% confidence interval 2.24-17.25) were independently associated with a higher prevalence of mature gametocytes in bone marrow. Our results highlight the high prevalence and abundance of early sexual stages in bone marrow, as well as the relationship between hematological disturbances and gametocyte development in this tissue.
Publisher
ASH
Research Division(s)
Infection And Immunity
Terms of Use/Rights Notice
© 2014 by The American Society of Hematology


Creation Date: 2014-07-29 03:01:04
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