Genetics of refractoriness to Plasmodium falciparum in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi

Abstract

We previously selected a line of the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi refractory (resistant) to the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, using in vitro infections with P. falciparum gametocytes. This report presents data on the genetic background of refractoriness. The results of F1-crosses and backcrosses show that refractoriness to P. falciparum in our A. stephensi line is autosomal and semi-dominant to susceptibility. The expression of refractoriness is apparently affected by a cytoplasmic factor. Interpretation of data from the crosses by quantitative trait locus analysis shows that one gene or two unlinked interacting autosomal genes, or groups of closely linked genes, are involved.