Published online by Cambridge University Press: 06 April 2009
In order to study the effects of acclimatization of Plasmodium in β-thalassaemic mice, we used a mouse model of β-thalassaemia (DBA/2J/β-thal/β-thal), similar to that observed in humans. We acclimatized 3 rodent malarias (P. berghei, P. chabaudi and P. yoelii) in DBA/2J and DBA/2J/β-thal/β-thal mice lines, by 4 intraperitoneal serial transfers. All 3 rodent malarias developed in red blood cells of β-thalassaemic mice without losing their virulence. There was no delay in infection and peaks of parasitaemia were similar in β-thalassaemic and normal mice. The mortality occurred earlier in β-thalassaemic mice than in control mice for P. berghei and P. chabaudi. This difference was more pronounced for P. yoelii NS where normal mice did not die. These results could be explained by a failure of erythropoiesis in β-thalassaemic mice, which are unable to compensate for the destruction of red blood cells by the parasites, and the mice died of anaemia. Ultrastructural examination of the rodent malaria parasites in β-thalassaemic RBC showed a normal development even in the presence of Heinz bodies. In conclusion, no effective protection against malaria was provided by the β-thalassaemia in this mouse model.