RESUMO
The apical membrane antigen (AMA-1) family of malaria merozoite proteins is characterised by a high degree of inter-species conservation. Evidence that the protein (PK66/AMA-1) from the simian parasite Plasmodium knowlesi was protective in rhesus monkeys suggested that the 83kDa P. falciparum equivalent (PF83/AMA-1) should be investigated for protective effects in humans. Here we briefly review pertinent comparative data, and describe the use of an eukaryotic full length recombinant PF83/AMA-1 molecule to develop a sensitive ELISA for the determination of serological responses in endemic populations. The assay has revealed surprisingly high levels of humoral response to this quantitatively minor antigen. We also show that PK66/AMA-1 inhibitory mAb's are active against merozoites subsequent to release from schizont-infected red cells, further implicating AMA-1 molecules in red cell invasion.
Assuntos
Antígenos de Protozoários/imunologia , Proteínas de Membrana/imunologia , Plasmodium/imunologia , Proteínas de Protozoários/imunologia , Animais , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Humanos , Macaca mulatta/imunologia , Plasmodium falciparum/imunologia , Plasmodium knowlesi/imunologiaRESUMO
Plasmodium brasilianum causes chronic quartan malaria in the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus, whereas Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is followed by an infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome that resolves. We infected weanling marmosets with one or both of these pathogens. Timing of the infections influenced outcome. Six animals were simultaneously infected with both agents; four became seriously ill (with accompanying proteinuria and edema) and either died or were killed. Histopathology indicated that glomerulonephritis had developed. The two survivors had more-prolonged parasitemia than did animals infected with P. brasilianum alone, as did animals infected with EBV before P. brasilianum. Five of the six simultaneously infected animals had absent or low titers of antibody to Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigens when compared with the other EBV-infected animals. Our results suggest that combined infection may be part of the etiology of quartan malarial nephropathy.
Assuntos
Proteínas do Capsídeo , Glomerulonefrite/etiologia , Infecções por Herpesviridae/complicações , Malária/complicações , Animais , Anticorpos Antiprotozoários/biossíntese , Anticorpos Antivirais/biossíntese , Antígenos Virais/imunologia , Callithrix , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Glomerulonefrite/patologia , Infecções por Herpesviridae/patologia , Herpesvirus Humano 4/imunologia , Rim/patologia , Fígado/patologia , Malária/patologia , Plasmodium/imunologia , Baço/patologiaRESUMO
Chronic quartan malarial infection has been established in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Plasmodium brasilianum from a douroucouli monkey (Aotus trivirgatus) was used to infect splenectomized twin animals, passed to an intact animal, and then to 4 other intact adults, 2 pairs of twins. In 2 of the 4 latter animals there was continuing patency with parasitaemias of less than or equal to 0.5% parasitized erythrocytes for 30 weeks. The other 2 had lower initial levels of parasitaemia; in 1 of these parasitaemias remained low or subpatent. All marmosets developed lymphocytosis. One animal became ill 30 weeks after infection with anaemia, weight loss and mild proteinurea, the other 3 remained well. Histological examination showed minor changes in the kidneys; spleens of infected animals showed marked follicular hyperplasia and phagocytosis of pigment. The livers showed sinusoidal hypercellularity and pigment deposition and in splenectomized animals, a marked lymphoid follicular hyperplasia in the portal tracts.
Assuntos
Callithrix/parasitologia , Callitrichinae/parasitologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Malária/parasitologia , Plasmodium/fisiologia , Animais , Aotus trivirgatus/sangue , Aotus trivirgatus/parasitologia , Feminino , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita , Hiperplasia , Hepatopatias Parasitárias/patologia , Linfocitose , Malária/patologia , Masculino , Fagocitose , Baço/parasitologia , Baço/patologia , EsplenectomiaRESUMO
Tubal ligation was performed through the posterior fornix with the aid of the culdoscope on 105 patients. In 60 patients, the Pomeroy technique was used, while tantalum clips were applied in 45 patients. Non-obese parous patients with normal pelvic findings were given simple out-patient advice concerning vaginal and bowel preparation. Using local anaesthesia and intravenous narcotic analgesia, culdoscopic sterilization was performed. Only minor pelvic abnormalities were found and the procedure was simple and free of major complications. All but 7 patients were discharged within 10 hours of admission. There was a 6.7 percent pregnancy rate using clips and none with Pomeroy technique. The results support the practicability of the use of this method in the Caribbean (AU)