Aid on Spreadsheets

Fundamental Details of Severe Malaria

Rosetting is a virulent parasite phenotype associated with the occurrence of severe malaria, but what is its biological function to the parasite, why does it exist? We here suggest that rosetting enhances the invasion of the parasite into attached- rosetting- erythrocytes since we have found associations between the multiplication rate of the parasites, rosetting and peripheral parasitemia of Ugandan malaria patients. We were however not able to prove this at the molecular level with in vitro propagated strains using antibodies to the identified ligands. As a consequence we suggest to explore freshly isolated parasites (including merozoites) in detail, identify the red blood receptors used, ligands as well as serum proteins employed by the parasite at the level of the merozoite as well as the iRBC. Aims Aim 1. Isolate parasites of patients with different invasion characteristics Aim 2. Determine involved parasite ligands and receptors Aim 3. Understand merozoite invasion as a function of rosetting The purpose of the suggested work is to explore in what way Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte rosetting enhances parasite invasion to initiate severe malaria. In an extended purpose we also aim to further the capacity for research in Uganda through the eduction of PhD students and post-docs, writing and presenting publications as well as the running of courses. Further, this will generate knowledge essential for the populations exposed to malaria.

Project ID

SE-0-SE-29-2014-2823-285-12262

Activity status

2 - Implementation

Aid type

D02 - Other technical assistance

% to Uganda

100.00

Organisations

Funding

Sweden

Extending

The Swedish Research Council

Implementing

Karolinska Institutet

CRS code	%
Malaria control (12262)	100.0