In vitro and in vivo adaptation of the Geneve/SGE-1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum to growth in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) model

Abstract

Human erythrocytic culture-adapted parasites of the Geneve/SGE-1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum were successfully adapted to grow in an in vitro culture system containing squirrel monkey erythrocytes and serum. These monkey culture-adapted organisms were then used to produce a patent infection in a splenectomized squirrel monkey. Fresh infected blood from this animal was introduced into another splenectomized monkey and was subsequently serially passed through seven intact squirrel monkeys. High level parasitemias (greater than 10%) were obtained in the animals from the last two passes following inoculation of moderate numbers of parasites. It is anticipated that this squirrel monkey-adapted Geneve/SGE-1 strain of P. falciparum will continue to produce high level parasitemias in intact Bolivian Saimiri, and consequently will be suitable for challenge of these monkeys.