PARASITE LACTATE-DEHYDROGENASE AS AN ASSAY FOR PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM DRUG-SENSITIVITY

This report compares the use of the lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay with 3H-hypoxanthine incorporation and Giemsa microscopy for the eval uation of anti-malaria drug inhibition of the growth of P. falciparum in vitro. The inhibition profiles and IC50 determinations of the pLDH assay were directly comparable to those determined by the radioactive uptake and microscopic methods. Furthermore, the pLDH culture sensitiv ity assay is reproducible, easily interpreted, rapid and inexpensive t o perform, suggesting field applicability.