Short-term culture ofPlasmodium knowlesi

Abstract

The culture method developed by Geiman and co-workers has been modified to give average multiplication rates for Plasmodium knowlesi of at least six-fold in 24 h.Individual modifications have been assessed on the basis of parasite multiplication and [3H]leucine incorporation into parasite protein. The second cycle of in vitro development which is particularly influenced by the conditions of culture was improved by: (i) culture of washed parasitized red cells in a medium containing dialysed homologous serum screened for its ability to support parasite growth; (ii) addition of ATP, Co-enzyme A (or pantothenate) and glutamine.We thank Mr E. D. Dennis and Miss Susan Wanstall for technical assistance. This work was supported by grants from the Medical Research Council and the World Health Organization.