Invasion of Erythrocytes by Malaria Merozoites

• DOI: 10.1126/science.803712
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T15:11:22Z
• Authors: James A. Dvorak; Louis H. Miller; Willard C. Whiteh...; Tsugiye Shiroishi
• Keywords: Optics and Photonics; Plasmodium; 0303 health sciences; Erythrocytes; Cell Membrane; Haplorhini; Hemolysis; Malaria; 3. Good health; Organoids; 03 medical and health sciences; Animals; Electronics; Cells, Cultured

An electro-optical system was developed to record microscope images with high resolution at low light intensities. The system was used to study the invasion of erythrocytes by malaria merozoites. Invasion consists of attachment of the anterior end of the parasite to the erythrocyte, deformation of the erythrocyte, and entry of the parasite by erythrocyte membrane invagination.