Preparation and Properties of Erythrocyte-free Avian Plasmodia.

Abstract

By combining saponin hemolysis with enzymatic digestion at low pH, avian plasmodia have been freed from the enclosing erythrocytes. These free parasites retain their specific morphology so that in stained smears of the erythrocyte-free parasites Plasmodium lophurae can be distinguished from P. cathemerium. It is probable that the treatment used kills the parasites but the potential value in exptl. malariology of this new method is not necessarily reduced thereby.