Splenic and Hepatic Hemozoin in Mice after Malaria Parasite Clearance

Hemozoin (malaria pigment) is found in many tissues during malaria infections. In mice that have self-cured from Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium chabaudi infections, liver hemozoin concentration and total content decreased for 6-9 mo after parasite clearance. However, both spleen hemozoin concentration and total hemozoin content increased dramatically during this time period. Thus, hemozoin or hemozoin-laden macrophages continue to accumulate in murine spleens for at least several months after malaria parasitemia becomes undetectable.