Malaria transmission is effected by intra-erythrocytic parasites that commit to sexual development and form gametocytes. Here, the authors show that early reticulocytes in the major sites of haematopoiesis establish a cryptic asexual cycle; this cycle is characterised by early preferential commitment to gametocytogenesis, which initiates malaria transmission and drug resistance.
- Rebecca S. Lee
- Andrew P. Waters
- James M. Brewer