Plasmodium falciparum invades human red cells via a parasite produced glycosidase.

This report describes that P. falciparum produces a neuraminidase like activity on invasion into erythrocytes in culture on the basis of biochemical and immunological investigations. This activity in turn modifies the surface glycoprotein receptors of red cells and may be of help in the inhibition of further invasion by merozoites. The characterization of this enzyme activity may help elucidate the mechanism of cerebral malaria.