Survival strategies of Plasmodium falciparum in the hosts (man and mosquitoes)
Parasites which are considered as foreign bodies by the host immune system must adopt various strategies in order to successfully survive in the new microenvironment. The aim of this paper was to systematically review the current state of knowledge on the various survival strategies employed by Plasmodium falciparum, in both human and mosquito hosts. The parasite’s life cycle involves various adaptations, allowing it to evade immune detection, survive, and thrive in complex biological environments. In humans, P. falciparum utilizes antigenic variation, immune evasion, and the remodeling of red blood cells (RBCs) to sustain itself. Additionally, it manipulates host immune responses and metabolic pathways, further promoting its survival. In mosquitoes, the parasite demonstrates remarkable adaptability, using mechanisms such as sporogonic development and midgut invasion to ensure transmission to human hosts. In Nigeria, where malaria is hyperendemic, the parasite poses a significant public health challenge, exacerbated by drug resistance and environmental factors that favor transmission. By understanding these survival strategies, this research offers potential insights into the development of new therapeutic interventions, such as vaccines and novel drug targets, to curb the transmission and impact of P. falciparum.
Keywords: Plasmodium falcifarum, Survival strategies, Mosquito, Human host, Immune evasion
