Studies on the Cambodian I Strain of Plasmodium falciparum in Aotus Monkeys

Abstract

The Cambodian I strain of [human] P. falciparum, originally from Kampuchea was adapted for development in 3 different types of Aotus monkeys. High-level parasitemias were readily produced in splenectomized Colombian A. trivirgatus griseimembra monkeys. Initially, only minimal parasitemias developed in A. t. trivirgatus monkeys from Colombia. In 1 animal, adaptation occurred and high-level parasitemias were obtained during the 2nd recrudescence of the infection. Passage to other A. t. trivirgatus monkeys indicated that the parasite was well adapted for development in splenectomized animals; low to moderate parasitemias were still produced in intact animals. This line of the parasite produced high level parsitemias when inoculated into splenectomized Aotus monkeys from Peru. Infections in Anophleles freeborni mosquitoes were obtained as late as the 7th passage in A. t. griseimembra monkeys and as late as the 7th recrudescence of the infection in an individual monkey (348 days after inoculation). Teh sporogonic cycle was completed in a. freeborni mosquitoes, and 1 transmission to an A. t. griseimembra monkey via the bites of infected mosquitoes was obtained.