Pathogenic mechanisms in Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Abstract

The most recognized pathogenic mechanisms of the infection with Plasmodium falciparum, during both the erythrocytic and exo-erythrocytic stages are presented. Vascular obstruction explained by the sequestration of parasitized red blood cells and erythrocyte rosetting, mediated by different endothelial ligands and receptors, in addition to the inflammatory processes induced by the presence of the parasite, are central aspects in the pathogenesis of malaria that explain the processes of damage, dysfunction and cell death in various organs. Alterations such as increased vascular permeability, hypoxia and anaerobic metabolism leading to localized lesions in organs such as brain and lung, as well as to a generalized acidotic state with multisystem failure can be explained by events such as the injury and destruction of erythrocytes, hepatocytes and endothelial cells, the loss of endothelial integrity, and the activation of cell damage and apoptosis promoters.