An experimental model for fatal malaria due to TNF-α-dependent hepatic damage

Abstract

SUMMARYWhile BALB/c mice survive infection with blood stages ofPlasmodium chabaudi chabaudi(AS), 70% of DBA/2 mice die by day 9–11 of infection, both strains controlling parasitaemia. We describe here that infection of DBA/2 mice results in extensive, multifocal hepatocyte death. Antibody neutralization of TNF-α prevents both liver damage and death.