Plasmodium falciparum: in vitro growth inhibition by febrile temperatures

Febrile episodes are the hallmark of malarial infection. We determined the inhibitory effect of febrile temperatures on the in vitro growth of Plasmod ium falciparum. Parasites were cultured at various temperatures between 37 degreesC and 40 degreesC for 4 days. A logistic decrease in parasitaemia as a function of temperature was observed for continuous cultures. Incubation of synchronized cultures for different lengths of time during the parasite cycle showed a strong increase of growth inhibition with the maturing of p arasites. Febrile temperatures inhibit parasite growth and long, high fever s during malaria may be beneficial for parasite clearance.