Malaria immuno--epidemiology--a trial to link field study with basic science.

In the examination of imported malaria cases in Japan, the indirect fluorescent antibody test was confirmed as the most reliable serological technique in the diagnosis of individual malaria cases. Based on this finding, malaria serological assessment was carried out in endemic areas in Haiti, Indonesia, Sudan and in Brazil Amazon. The serological survey was useful in finding latent foci in a controlled area, for the assessment of past epidemics, in the differentiation of epidemiological features of moving populations, and also in the potential risk assessment in the Sudan Gezira. It should be stressed that the serological survey is not used simply for amplification of parasite survey. Epidemiological features which are not shown by parasite rate is revealed by means of serology studied at community level particularly after a successful malaria control operation. The newly developed malaria ABC-ELISA is a much simpler technique than the indirect fluorect fluorescent antibody test and will be useful in field surveys because the test can be made without electrical equipment. Through seroepidemiological studies the 47kD parasite molecule was noted. This parasite molecule was presented by the sera taken at the acute stage of infection. Detailed molecular and genetical studies are now being undertaken for the characterization of the high-lighted parasite substance.