Extensive immunoglobulin binding of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in a group of children with moderate anemia.

Immunoglobulins (Ig) from healthy, nonimmune individuals bind to the surfaces of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (RBC). In order to investigate the presence of this parasite phenotype in wild isolates and its potential association with malarial anemia, we conducted a study of 207 anemic or nonanemic children with malaria in Gabon. Surface Ig binding to infected RBC was detected for 83% of the isolates. No difference in Ig binding between the groups was observed, but all isolates which exhibited extensive Ig binding were found in a group of moderately anemic children.