Continuous in-vitro cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum in Ibadan: solutions to scientific and logistical problems
Sodeinde, O.; Williams, C.K.
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences 19(2): 71-76
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0309-3913 PMID: 2115731 Document Number: 363195
This paper describes the successful continuous cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro in a Nigerian University laboratory. The candle-jar method was employed and type AB Rh+ plasma from a hospital blood bank was used after first comparing it with sera known to support parasite growth. Red cells were obtained from one of the authors after he was first established as malaria-free. Parasite multiplication in vitro was maintained for long periods despite unpredictable interruptions in the electricity supply. Parasite morphology was sufficiently good for cultures to be used as antigen for the malaria fluorescent-antibody test.Malcolm Guy Methods for solving or coping with the scientific and logistical problems encountered when carrying out the technique of continuous in vitro cultivation of P. falciparum in Nigeria are described. They have already proved effective for over 4 years. The parasites harvested were satisfactory, as judged by reproducible logarithmic growth curves and normal morphology in Leishman-stained smears as well as phase-contrast microscopy of wet-preparations. They were also successfully used as antigen sources in the malarial fluorescent-antibody test and to investigate enhanced platelet aggregation in experimental malaria.