Independence of complement on in vitro immune phagocytosis of plasmodium falciparum parasitised erythrocytes by human monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes from normal blood donors phagocytosed preferentially Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (IRBC) in presence of sera from individuals living in areas endemic for malaria. Total complement or factor B heat inactivation of immune or normal serum does not alter opsonic activity directed against IRBC.