A Protocol for a Highly Consistent, High Level Production in Vivo of Plasmodium falciparum Oocysts and Sporozoites

Martin Looker¹, Andrew W. Taylor-Robinson^1,2

¹School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
²School of Medical & Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Australia.

DOI: 10.4236/abb.2014.513112                

Abstract

Investigation of the intimate relationship between the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum and its Anopheles vector requires the reliable production and isolation of successive sexual stages of the parasite from infected mosquitoes. Such an advance in propagation would benefit a range of molecular, cellular, immunochemical and transmission-blocking research studies. Parasite cultivation, mosquito rearing, infection and subsequent dissection of mosquitoes are all highly technical procedures that require both skill and experience to perform with competence. Furthermore, to produce mosquitoes of an appropriate age to infect during the short period in which parasites are viable for infection demands precise planning in order to coordinate the interacting life cycles of the parasite and vector. Here, a protocol is described for the complete development of P. falciparum within Anopheles stephensi. A very consistent, high level production in vivo of P. falciparum oocysts and sporozoites is demonstrable by dissection of the mosquito midgut and salivary glands, respectively.

Keywords

Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, Cultivation, Oocyst, Sporozoite, Infectivity

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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