Observations on the periodicity of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in natural human infections

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The circadian periodicity of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in peripheral blood was analysed in a group of children from an holoendemic community of north-eastern Tanzania. No periodicity was observed with asexual stage parasites. Gametocytes were shown to display a diurnal subperiodic pattern with a periodicity index of 31. 8. Mathematical analysis of the data indicated that P. falciparum gametocytes tend to display periodicity with a peak (15:30-19:30 h) that do not coincide with the peak (00:30-03:30 h) biting activity of the local vector, Anopheles gambiae. We were thus able to show a P. falciparum gametocyte periodicity with a harmonic wave pattern, but its functional biological significance if any, is currently unknown.
Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Tropica
Volume76
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)239-46
Number of pages7
ISSN0001-706X
Publication statusPublished - 2000

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Animals; Anopheles; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Insect Vectors; Malaria, Falciparum; Male; Mathematics; Microfilaria; Parasitemia; Periodicity; Plasmodium falciparum; Tanzania; Time Factors

ID: 9830464