Notably, not only is the parasite itself under oxidative
stress but the host cell also shows oxidative alterations
when infected with
Plasmodium.
This is demonstrated by
changes in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, most probably
because of alterations of erythrocyte membrane lipid composition
and protein cross-linking
Haemichrome accumulation on the inner
surface of the parasitized erythrocytes as well as the
aggregation of erythrocyte band 3 and the increasing
occurrence of auto-anti-band 3 antibodies suggest that
the host erythrocytes are severely oxidatively damaged by
the
Plasmodium
infection