Evaluation of splenic accumulation and colocalization of immature reticulocytes and Plasmodium vivax in asymptomatic malaria: A prospective human splenectomy study
Authors: Kho Steven , Qotrunnada Labibah , Leonardo Leo , Andries Benediktus , Wardani Putu A. I. , Fricot Aurelie , Henry Benoit , Hardy David , Margyaningsih Nur I. , Apriyanti Dwi , Puspitasari Agatha M. , Prayoga Pak , Trianty Leily , Kenangalem Enny , Chretien Fabrice , Brousse Valentine , Safeukui Innocent , del Portillo Hernando A. , Fernandez-Becerra Carmen , Meibalan Elamaran , Marti Matthias , Price Ric N. , Woodberry Tonia , Ndour Papa A. , Russell Bruce M. , Yeo Tsin W. , Minigo Gabriela , Noviyanti Rintis , Poespoprodjo Jeanne R. , Siregar Nurjati C. , Buffet Pierre A. , Anstey Nicholas M. 
Published: May 2021

Background

A very large biomass of intact asexual-stage malaria parasites accumulates in the spleen of asymptomatic human individuals infected withPlasmodium vivax. The mechanisms underlying this intense tropism are not clear. We hypothesised that immature reticulocytes, in whichP.vivaxdevelops, may display high densities in the spleen, thereby providing a niche for parasite survival.

Methods and findings

We examined spleen tissue in 22 mostly untreated individuals naturally exposed toP.vivaxandPlasmodium falciparumundergoing splenectomy for any clinical indication in malaria-endemic Papua, Indonesia (2015 to 2017). Infection, parasite and immature reticulocyte density, and splenic distribution were analysed by optical microscopy, flow cytometry, and molecular assays. Nine non-endemic control spleens from individuals undergoing spleno-pancreatectomy in France (2017 to 2020) were also examined for reticulocyte densities. There were no exclusion criteria or sample size considerations in both patient cohorts for this demanding approach.

In Indonesia, 95.5% (21/22) of splenectomy patients had asymptomatic splenicPlasmodiuminfection (7P.vivax, 13P.falciparum, and 1 mixed infection). Significant splenic accumulation of immature CD71 intermediate- and high-expressing reticulocytes was seen, with concentrations 11 times greater than in peripheral blood. Accordingly, in France, reticulocyte concentrations in the splenic effluent were higher than in peripheral blood. Greater rigidity of reticulocytes in splenic than in peripheral blood, and their higher densities in splenic cords both suggest a mechanical retention process. Asexual-stageP.vivax-infected erythrocytes of all developmental stages accumulated in the spleen, with non-phagocytosed parasite densities 3,590 times (IQR: 2,600 to 4,130) higher than in circulating blood, and median total splenic parasite loads 81 (IQR: 14 to 205) times greater, accounting for 98.7% (IQR: 95.1% to 98.9%) of the estimated total-bodyP.vivaxbiomass. More reticulocytes were in contact with sinus lumen endothelial cells inP.vivax- than inP.falciparum-infected spleens. Histological analyses revealed 96% ofP.vivaxrings/trophozoites and 46% of schizonts colocalised with 92% of immature reticulocytes in the cords and sinus lumens of the red pulp. Larger splenic cohort studies and similar investigations in untreated symptomatic malaria are warranted.

Conclusions

Immature CD71+reticulocytes and splenicP.vivax-infected erythrocytes of all asexual stages accumulate in the same splenic compartments, suggesting the existence of a cryptic endosplenic lifecycle in chronicP.vivaxinfection. Findings provide insight intoP.vivax-specific adaptions that have evolved to maximise survival and replication in the spleen.