Merozoite Website Analysis

When the parasite is injected from the mosquito to the host body, it takes the form of a merozoite (2). A merozoite is a small sporozoan trophozoite that is produced asexually and is capable of reproducing by schizogony (2). Tests by scientific groups have determined different surface protein that help the protozoa in its attachment of the red blood cells (2). MSP-7, MSP-3, MSP-1, and other proteins have been identified, however, there function is not fully known. It is believed that they assist in parasite survival within the host (2). MSP-1 help in binding parasite to the surface band of red blood cells with (2). With initial infection, the parasite moves to the liver which is packed with red blood cells in order to replicate quickly (2). The feeding of red blood cells will lead to it destruction and greater parasite creation. With the reduction of red blood cells the body will be in need of greater amounts of oxygen for transport with the loss of red cells. Within the cells the merozoite grow into trophozoites and mature schizonts before leaving of the …show more content…
While macrophages swallow the toxin and debris, natural killer cells destroy infected cells through apoptosis. Natural killer cells attach to infected cells with the help of LFA-1 protein (1). Scientist hope to create a therapeutic method that enhances the natural killer cells ability of recognition and attachment to malaria cells (1). There are also attempts to create a vaccine by injecting sickle cell blood into mice to better understand the ability to resist malaria infection (1). Other methods such as dealing with the P. falciparum merozoite organizing protein (PfMOP) could help in stopping asexual reproduction of malaria (3). Through knocking out that specific protein in testing, malaria parasites are unable to finish reproduction and will lead to maturation stagnation followed by death