Table 1 Summary of biochemical markers of cell death observed in P. falciparum after exposure to increased temperatures
Parasite life stage | Early stages at 0 h | Late stages at 0 h | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Exposure conditions | 40 °C for 24 h | 41 °C for 2 h | ||
Time of measurements | Immediately after heat stress | 22 h after heat stress | Immediately after heat stress | 22 h after heat stress |
Growth and development | Slight growth inhibition. Progression to late stages was similar to 37 °C control parasites (Figure 1) | Inhibition of growth. A small number developed to late stages (Figure 2) | Severe growth inhibition with very few ring parasites observed (Figure 1) | >95% growth inhibition, with no new ring-stage parasites formed (Figure 2) |
DNA fragmentation | * | Yes (Figure 3aiii) | * | Slight (Figure 3aiv) |
Mitochondrial polarisation | Depolarised (Figure 4bi) | Depolarised (Figure 4bii) | Hyperpolarised (Figure 5bi) | No change (Figure 5bii) |
PS externalisation | * | No (Figures 6c and d) | * | Yes (Figure 6f) |
