Abstract
In vitro cultured Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes were fed to Anopheles gambiae (G3) mosquitoes to identify parasite population characteristics useful for predicting successful mosquito infections. Parameters were collected from an initial study of 90 infections over a two year period and a second study of 55 infections over 12 weeks. Parasite isolate/clone was identified as the most reliable predictor of gametocyte infectiousness. Parameters such as gametocyte age structure (stage IV:V ratio), exflagellation rate and macrogametocyte maturity were not reliable for predicting infectiousness but were useful for monitoring overall culture maturity. Other variables such as gametocyte density, chronological age of the culture at the time of feed, gametocyte sex ratio, asexual parasitemia, and mixing cultures before mosquito feeding were not predictive. Thus, if a reliable parasite isolate or clone is used, there is no need to measure other characteristics of in vitro gametocyte populations because these will not significantly improve one's ability to predict oocyst infection rates.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
