Plasmodium falciparum In Vitro Culture - The Highs and Lows

Abstract

Branco et al. [1] raise the following questions. Is there a ‘normal’ oxygen (O2) concentration for in vitro culture of Plasmodium? Would Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) experience such low levels of O2 in an infection, and most importantly, what are the actual O2 conditions in vivo and how best can we mimic these conditions in vitro? All of which are valid and highly relevant questions further highlighting the complexity of the subject and its significance.