In Vitro Survival Period Of Malaria Parasite In Human Host Blood

Abstract

The survival periods of malaria parasite was observed in vitro in human host blood at storage temperatures of room + 4^oC. it was observed that the parasite survived longer at 4^oC than at room temperature. The survival periods were directly related to the initial parasitaemia of the blood sample. Storage at 4^oC prolonged survival of the parasite by 96 hours as compared with room temperatures storage, 24 hours. These observations indicate that survival declined with increase in temperature as well as low parasite density.

KEY WORDS: Malaria parasite, survival, human host blood, temperature.

Journal of Medical Investigation and Practice Vol. 4: 2003: 12-14