Abstract
Malaria pigment is most abundant and distinct in gametocytes. Trophozoites have variable amounts of pigment, depending on the species of Plasmodium and the stage of infection. In Plasmodium falciparum infection, blood smear preparations fall into two categories that are distinguishable at all levels of parasitemia; one type of preparation contains only pigment-deficient trophozoites, and the other type contains only pigment-rich trophozoites. Pigment accumulates in the residual body of the mature schizont and is lost upon rupture of the schizont. In contrast, pigment remains associated with the macrogametocyte and developing oocyst. Certain antimalarial drugs, such as chloroquine, have distinct effects on pigment clumping. These observations raise questions regarding the current idea of pigment as an inert excretory product of hemoglobin metabolism. It is suggested that pigment particles represent stacked utilizable intermediates of hemoglobin digestion that accumulate in the gametocyte to serve as a food reserve during the growth cycle in the mosquito.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
