Malaria parasitization and hormonal imbalance in virgin mice.

The effect of the malaria parasite plasmodium berghei berghei on the estrus cycle was studied in rodents. It was observed that there was a delay at the proestrus phase of the estrus cycle. Endocrinological evidence for lack of ovulation at estrus during infection was presented. Although there was an elevation in the level of immune complexes and white blood cell counts, the red blood cell counts decreased as infection progressed. Anal temperature recordings showed pyrexia. There was a wide difference in the mating success of the control group when compared to the experimental group.