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Updated: May 8, 2026
09:23
Plasmodium falciparum Gametocyte Culture and Mosquito Infection Through Artificial Membrane Feeding
Published on: July 3, 2020
Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes: with a view to a kill
Alice S Butterworth1, Tina S Skinner-Adams, Don L Gardiner
1Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Australia.
Parasitology
|August 20, 2013
Summary
Developing new drugs targeting malaria parasite sexual stages is crucial for transmission control. This review explores existing and emerging anti-gametocyte compounds to combat malaria eradication challenges.
Area of Science:
- Malariology
- Parasitology
- Drug Discovery
Background:
- Drugs targeting Plasmodium sexual stages are vital for malaria control programs.
- Reducing Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte carriage is key to interrupting malaria transmission.
- Limited availability and safety concerns of current anti-gametocyte drugs, like primaquine, hinder progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the gametocytocidal properties of existing and investigational anti-malarial drugs.
- To explore the challenges and prospects in discovering novel compounds targeting malaria gametocytes.
- To support malaria eradication efforts by highlighting the need for effective transmission-blocking therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications and drug development pipelines.
- Analysis of gametocytocidal activity data for various anti-malarial compounds.
- Examination of challenges in gametocyte research and drug discovery.
Main Results:
- Currently, few drugs possess significant activity against Plasmodium gametocytes.
- Primaquine is the only licensed drug, but its use is limited by safety concerns.
- Recent research shows increased interest in identifying new anti-gametocyte compounds.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for new drugs targeting malaria parasite sexual stages to prevent transmission.
- Overcoming technical challenges in gametocyte studies is essential for effective drug discovery.
- Continued research and development are critical for identifying novel compounds to support malaria eradication goals.
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