Transition from Plasmodial Hypnozoite to Schizont Demonstrated

Abstract

The progression to schizont formation of individual activated hypnozoites has been observed in vitro for the first time by Voorberg-van der Wel et al. Green-fluorescent protein-positive hypnozoites turned red-fluorescent (mCherry) upon activation. Thus, we now have empirical parasitological proof that supports the 40-year-old hypnozoite theory of relapse in malaria.

Keywords: Plasmodium cynomolgi; Plasmodium vivax; hypnozoite; malaria; recurrence; relapse.