Antigenic diversity in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.

Monoclonal antibodies against blood forms of Plasmodium falciparum were used to demonstrate considerable antigenic diversity in this species. Different isolates were distinguished by their ability to react with certain antibodies, and most of the antibodies reacted specifically with merozoites, schizonts, or both. The distribution of different antigenic types appeared not to be related to geographic origin. Serological typing with monoclonal antibodies extends the range of methods for identification of different strains of this malaria parasite.