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Experimental transmission of murine malaria by the oral route
F Malagón1, L Castillo, J L Tapia
1Laboratorio de Malariología, Depto. de Microbiología y Parasitología Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, D.F. México.
Abstract:
A total of 116 young male CD1 mice were orally inoculated with mouse blood; half of the animals received 0.2 ml of uninfected blood and the others were given 0.2 ml of Plasmodium berghei yoelii-infected blood in six experiments performed at different times. Almost 30% of the experimental mice acquired malaria as demonstrated by the observation of parasites in their blood. In no case were parasites found in the blood of control mice. Rodent malaria parasites may be transmitted to CD1 mice by the ingestion of mouse blood parasitized by P. b. yoelii. As far as we know, this study represents the first demonstration of oral transmission of murine malaria. Oral transmission studies in this mouse-Plasmodium model may produce very important information on the biology of the malaria parasites.
Insights
Researchers discovered that malaria parasites can infect mice through ingestion of infected blood. This study demonstrates the first oral transmission of rodent malaria, offering new insights into parasite biology.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Animal Models
Background:
- Malaria is a significant global health concern, primarily transmitted by mosquito vectors.
- Understanding alternative transmission routes is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for oral transmission of Plasmodium berghei yoelii in CD1 mice.
- To establish a novel model for studying malaria parasite biology through ingestion.
Main Methods:
- 116 young male CD1 mice were divided into two groups.
- One group received 0.2 ml of uninfected mouse blood (control).
- The other group received 0.2 ml of Plasmodium berghei yoelii-infected mouse blood orally.
Main Results:
- Approximately 30% of mice that ingested infected blood acquired malaria.
- Malaria parasites were detected in the blood of infected mice.
- No parasites were found in the blood of control mice, confirming the absence of other transmission routes.
Conclusions:
- Oral ingestion of infected blood is a viable route for Plasmodium berghei yoelii transmission in CD1 mice.
- This study presents the first evidence of oral transmission of murine malaria.
- The developed mouse-Plasmodium model offers a valuable tool for future research into malaria parasite biology and transmission dynamics.