Platelets kill up to 60% of malaria parasites: Study

Accordingly to a new study, the Platelets found in the blood can kill up to 60 per cent of the malaria parasites. These parasites are circulating in the bloodstream. In this case, the study published in the journal Blood. Consequently, the study found that platelets bind to and kill parasites in patients infected with each of the major malaria parasite species which infect and kill humans, Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. knowlesi.

The study, involved 376 people, with and without malaria, from Papua, Indonesia and Sabah, Malaysia. PF4- a toxic platelet peptide is responsible for the process of killing the parasites. PF4-based peptides could be potential candidates for malaria treatment in the future.

The Study: Key Highlights

• For the most part, the study involved 376 people, with and without malaria, from Papua, Indonesia and Sabah, Malaysia.

• As a result of the study, It found that the platelets can kill around 20 per cent of circulating Plasmodium parasites.

• Most important of all is that PF4- a toxic platelet peptide is responsible for the process of killing the parasites.

• Besides, the study revealed that the platelets bind to the human red cells. Which containing the malaria parasites and kill the parasites by releasing into the red cell PF4.

• The study was published in the journal titled –Blood.

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