An automated haematology analyzer XN-30 distinguishes developmental stages of falciparum malaria parasite cultured in vitro

• Published in: Malaria Journal
• Main Authors: Takahiro Tougan, Yuhgi Suzuki, Sawako Itagaki, Munehisa Izuka, Yuji Toya, Kinya Uchihashi, Toshihiro Horii
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2018
• Subjects: Plasmodium falciparum; in vitro culture; Blood stage; Flow cytometry; XN-30 analyzer; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Infectious and parasitic diseases; RC109-216; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-018-2208-6; https://doaj.org/article/e3c8a1e81fb04629b5da8b1a8c61cd77

Abstract Background The automated haematology analyzer XN-30 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) easily and rapidly detects malarial parasites in clinical blood samples using flow cytometry. The XN-30 analyzer is able to distinguish each developmental stage by measuring DNA content and cell size. Thus, it was expected to be capable of quantifying the developmental stages of cultured falciparum parasite. To achieve this requirement, a modified algorithm was tested for its validity and reliability using in vitro cultured falciparum parasite. Results The XN-30 analyzer automatically measured each developmental stage as well as total parasitaemia. Comparison of the parasitaemia obtained using the XN-30 analyzer equipped with the modified algorithm with that obtained using microscopy examination of Giemsa-stained smears revealed the greater sensitivity and reproducibility of the former. The XN-30 analyzer also detected free merozoites and purified gametocytes. Conclusions The XN-30 analyzer allows the precise recognition and enumeration of total and each developmental stages of cultured falciparum parasites, and permits the sensitive and reproducible calculation of parasitaemia. The results indicate the potential of the XN-30 analyzer for basic research on malarial biology, anti-malarial drug discovery, and evaluation of drug efficacy.