Abstract
The effect of a synthetic cecropin-like peptide, Shiva-3, on in vitro ookinete development and on the early sporogonic stages of Plasmodium berghei in the midgut of Anopheles albimanus was investigated. Peptide concentrations of 75 and 100 μM were effective ( P < 0.05) in reducing ookinete production and the number of infected mosquitoes in almost all experiments. These peptide concentrations in the midgut were not toxic for the survival of the mosquitoes. Complete inhibition was obtained if 100 μM Shiva-3 was applied in the first 8 hr of parasite development. The deleterious effect of the peptide on the parasite was effective after exposure for as short as 50 sec and the permanence of free peptide in the mosquito midgut was estimated to be of a minimum of 5 min. These observations indicate the possibility of using Shiva-like peptide genes to engineering malaria-resistant vectors as an alternative in malaria control strategies.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
