Recognition of Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte surface antigens by plasma antibodies in asymptomatic Ghanaian school children

Excerpt

Malaria transmission-reducing interventions are key components of malaria control and elimination [1]. However, little is known about the immune responses directed at circulating Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in humans, knowledge of which would be useful in the development of anti-gametocyte vaccines, which would have the capability to reduce malaria transmission from humans to mosquitoes. In a study in the Gambia, mature gametocyte-infected erythrocytes of P. falciparum were found to carry antigens (gametocyte surface antigens, GSA) that were recognised by malaria patient’s plasma antibodies. These anti-GSA antibodies, taken at a single timepoint, were weakly associated with lower duration of gametocyte carriage in these treated patients [2, 3]. We then sought to determine longitudinal patterns in GSA antibody prevalence and its relationship to possible immune suppression of gametocyte carriage in vivo. …