STRAIN OF PLASMODIUM-VIVAX CHARACTERIZED BY PROLONGED INCUBATION - MORPHOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • 1 January 1975
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 52  (1) , 21-32
Abstract
Numerous strains of P. vivax, distinguishable chiefly by their biological characteristics, exist. Two main varieties are recognized, the temperate and tropical strains. The most extreme example of the former, designated as P. vivax hibernans, constantly exhibited an extremely long incubation period. The strain no longer exists and no type material was preserved. In its place, a North Korean strain with a generally long incubation period was studied and compared with the well-known tropical Madagascar strain, which frequently but not constantly has a short incubation period. The data presented concern the behavior of various strains from the USSR and the morphological characteristics of the North Korean and Madagascar strains. Splenectomized chimpanzees were used as the host of these parasites, particularly in regard to exoerythrocytic schizogony. Attempts were made, by late liver biopsies, to elucidate the prolonged latency of the North Korean strain. Although there was no evidence of specifically dormant forms, certain sporozoites probably fail to develop in the normal time and are reactivated by an unknown factor 1 yr or more after inoculation.

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