Enzyme variation in Plasmodium berghei

10 strains of P. berghei representing 4 subspecies—P.b. berghei, P.b. yoelii, P.b. killicki and a “P. berghei-like” parasite from Nigeria were used in this study. The electrophoretic band patterns of 4 enzymes—glucose phosphate isomerase, adenylate kinase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase were examined in all strains. With the exception of glucose phosphate isomerase the enzymic patterns of all strains of P.b. yoelii, P.b. killicki and the “P. berghei-like” parasite were identical for each enzyme studied. The strains of P.b. berghei were distinct from the other 3 subspecies in regard to all 4 enzymes. 2 migratory forms of glucose phosphate isomerase were identified among the strains of P.b. yoelii, P.b. killicki and the “P. berghei-like” parasite.