Cultura in vitro de Plasmodium falciparum no Laboratório de Biologia Parasitária do Instituto Nacional de Saúde

Abstract

This internship work was carried out in the Laboratory of Parasite Biology of the Department of Blood Parasitology of the National Institute of Health and its main objectives were: to acquire skills, theoretical and practical knowledge of the techniques of in vitro cultures of Plasmodium falciparum carried out in the Laboratory of Parasite Biology and to know how to interpret the results obtained from the cultures. The internship took place in two phases: the first, from June to August 2007, was characterised by the adaptation of the student to the internship unit and the elaboration of the protocol; the second, from August to November, consisted essentially of the collection of positive samples for Plasmodium falciparum and their subsequent establishment in culture. A sample of 10 positive samples was taken from the laboratory of the First Aid and Paediatric Bank of Maputo Central Hospital, and from the Emergency Department of Mavalane General Hospital. A maximum parasitemia of 5.4% was obtained, lower than expected (15%). The pre-defined objectives were achieved.