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A major change in recent years has been the recognition that severe malaria, predominantly caused by Plasmodium falciparum, is a complex multi-system disorder presenting with a range of clinical features. It is becoming apparent that syndromes such as cerebral malaria, which were previously considered relatively clear cut, are not homogenous conditions with a single pathological correlate or pathogenic process. This creates challenges both for elucidating key mechanisms of disease and for identifying suitable targets for adjunctive therapy. The development of severe malaria probably results from a combination of parasite-specific factors, such as adhesion and sequestration in the vasculature and the release of bioactive molecules, together with host inflammatory responses. These include cytokine and chemokine production and cellular infiltrates. This review summarizes progress in several areas presented at a recent meeting.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.pt.2004.09.006

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Parasitol

Publication Date

12/2004

Volume

20

Pages

597 - 603

Keywords

Anemia, Animals, Cell Adhesion, Erythrocytes, Female, Humans, Malaria, Cerebral, Malaria, Falciparum, Mice, Plasmodium falciparum, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic