Parasite-host “coupling” mechanism could lead to new treatments for malaria

Transmitted through infected mosquitos, the malaria parasite, once in the human bloodstream, synchronously ruptures red blood cells and rapidly infects new red blood cells, beginning the cycle anew. Controlled by an intrinsic clock, this cycle occurs in multiples of 24 hours, depending on the species. Humans infected with malaria parasites exhibit rhythmic fevers and chills every 24, 48 or 72 hours depending on the species of Plasmodium.

Is it possible that the parasite’s biological clock is “in sync” with its human host’s circadian clock?

A new study by Florida Atlantic…