Optimization of a Membrane Feeding Assay for Plasmodium vivax Infection in Anopheles albimanus”

Individuals exposed to malaria infections for a long time develop immune responses capable
of blocking Plasmodium transmission to mosquito vectors, potentially limiting parasite
spreading in nature. The development of a malaria TB vaccine requires a better understanding
of the mechanisms and main effectors responsible for transmission blocking (TB)
responses. The lack of an in vitro culture system for Plasmodium vivax has been an important
drawback for the development of a standardized method to assess TB responses to this
parasite. This study evaluated host, vector, and parasite factors that may influence Anopheles
mosquito infection in order to develop an efficient and reliable assay to assess the TB
immunity.