A TARGET FOR INTERVENTION IN PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM INFECTIONS

We present a set of simple mathematical models to investigate interact ions between malaria parasites and the human immune system and the dif ferentiation of parasites from asexual, pathogenic into sexual, transm issible blood stages. Each model represents a different combination of empirically based hypotheses, and salient behaviors of each fit crite ria developed from clinical data. In all models, however, higher gamet ocyte conversion rates result in lower peak asexual-form densities. Th erefore, to the extent that asexual-form densities are associated with disease symptoms, interventions that stimulate gametocytogenesis shou ld produce unexpected clinical benefits.