Abstract
Free infectious Plasmodium berghei parasites (FP) were used in a system suitable for measurement of protective antibody in the serum of rats recovered from malaria. By the fluorescent antibody technique it was demonstrated that the free parasites, but not parasites in erythrocytes, became coated with antibody after incubation in recovered rat serum. Because immune sera capable of coating free parasites did not protect mice against FP inocula, but partially or completely protected rats, it is probable that antibody coating alone is not sufficient to kill the parasites. It was further demonstrated in vitro, with one strain of P. berghei, that phagocytes more readily ingested parasites in the presence of immune serum than in the presence of normal serum. This observation suggests that phagocytosis of the antibody coated parasite probably was required to prevent infection.
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 call
