Vector-Parasite Interactions and Malaria Transmission

Abstract

Malaria remains one of the world’s most devastating vector-borne diseases. During the complex sexual development of the malaria parasite in the mosquito, it is faced with physical and physiological barriers which it must surmount before it can be transmitted to a human host. Proof-of-concept studies using RNAi have unearthed several parasite molecules which are important for countering the immunity of its vector. Understanding the counter-adaptations between the parasite and its vector could inform novel public health intervention strategies. For instance, it could guide the transgenic construction of resistant mosquitoes in which mosquito factors that restrict the parasite growth have been enhanced and/or factors promoting parasite growth deleted so as to make them refractory to malaria parasite infection. Such strategies, when deemed feasible, could be combined with conventional vector control methods as well as treatment of infection with effective malaria therapy, to actualize the malaria eradication goal.