What is the function of the merozoite form of Plasmodium falciparum?

The invasive form of malaria parasites is termed a merozoite and it employs an array of parasite proteins that bind to the host cell to mediate invasion.

What is the role of mosquito in the LC of Plasmodium?

The peritrophic matrix (PM), a chitinous layer produced by the mosquito midgut in response to blood ingestion, is a protective barrier against pathogens. Plasmodium can only complete its life-cycle, and consequently be transmitted to a new host, after successfully passing this barrier.

Is falciparum a symptom of malaria?

The first symptoms – fever, headache, and chills – may be mild and difficult to recognize as malaria. If not treated within 24 hours, Plasmodium falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness, and lead to death.

What are Maurer’s dots?

: coarse granulations present in red blood cells invaded by the falciparum malaria parasite — compare schuffner’s dots.

Which parasite stage in the mosquito has the lowest numbers?

oocyst stage
In the entire Plasmodium life cycle (in both human and mosquito hosts), parasite numbers are lowest during the oocyst stage and then quickly expand when each oocyst releases thousands of sporozoites.

What are the signs and symptoms of severe malaria?

Signs and symptoms of malaria may include:

• Fever.
• Chills.
• General feeling of discomfort.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Muscle or joint pain.

Why are Maurer’s clefts unique to Plasmodium falciparum?

These data suggest that Maurer’s clefts, which are unique to the virulent P falciparum species, are pathogen-induced secretory organelles that concentrate HT-containing soluble and membrane parasite proteins in their lumen for delivery to the host erythrocyte.

What are the clefts of Plasmodium falciparum secretory organelles?

Souvik Bhattacharjee, Christiaan van Ooij, Bharath Balu, John H. Adams, Kasturi Haldar; Maurer’s clefts of Plasmodium falciparum are secretory organelles that concentrate virulence protein reporters for delivery to the host erythrocyte. Blood 2008; 111 (4): 2418–2426. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2007-09-115279

How are proteins transported to and from Maurer’s clefts?

This unusual protein trafficking system involves long-known parasite-derived membranous structures in the host cell cytosol, called Maurer’s clefts. However, the genesis, role, and function of Maurer’s clefts remain elusive. Similarly unclear is how proteins are sorted and how they are transported to and from these structures.

What are the symptoms of Plasmodium falciparum in blood?

Note the classic “headphones” appearance of many of the rings. Laboratory diagnosis of malaria. Plasmodium falciparum. Thin, delicate rings in a thin blood smear. Note the double chromatin dot in the in- fected rbc at top, and the appliqué form in the infected rbc at bottom. Thin, delicate rings in a thin blood smear.