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Malaria Journal
Published in: Malaria Journal 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Methodology

Molecular detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum-infected human hepatocytes in chimeric immune-deficient mice

Authors: Lander Foquet, Cornelus C Hermsen, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Louis Libbrecht, Robert Sauerwein, Philip Meuleman, Geert Leroux-Roels

Published in: Malaria Journal | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Chimeric mice with humanized livers represent a promising tool for infections with Plasmodium falciparum to evaluate novel methods for prevention and treatment of pre-erythrocytic stages. Adequate assessment of hepatic infections is generally compromised by the limited number of human hepatocytes infected by developing parasites.

Methods

A qPCR-based method has been developed that sensitively and reliably detects P. falciparum liver stage infection of humanized mice and quantitatively expresses the results as the number of parasites per human hepatocyte.

Results

This assay allows for detection of liver stage parasites after challenging humanized mice with infected mosquito bites or after intravenous injection with sporozoites. The sensitivity of the protocol, which comprises approximately 25% of the total chimeric liver, allows for the detection of a single infected hepatocyte in the analysed tissue.

Conclusions

This method allows for the detection and quantification of P. falciparum parasites in chimeric mice repopulated with human hepatocytes. It will be a useful tool when studying the in vivo therapeutic and/or prophylactic qualities of novel compounds, small molecules or antibodies directed against the liver stage of P. falciparum infections.
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Metadata
Title
Molecular detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum-infected human hepatocytes in chimeric immune-deficient mice
Authors
Lander Foquet
Cornelus C Hermsen
Geert-Jan van Gemert
Louis Libbrecht
Robert Sauerwein
Philip Meuleman
Geert Leroux-Roels
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Malaria Journal / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-12-430

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