Serum inhibition of merozoite dispersal from Plasmodium falciparum schizonts: indicator of immune status

Abstract

Specific immune serum was found to inhibit the dispersal of the merozoites from mature schizonts, thus interfering with their subsequent reinvasion of new host erythrocytes. This phenomenon is viewed as a protective mechanism against malaria which can be measured in vitro and reflects the immune status of the donor.