Two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA): detection, efficiency, and procedural modifications

A 2-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) has been done using Anopheles stephensi fed on Plasmodium vivax blood through parafilm to ascertain at what time in the sporogonic cycle circumsporozoite (CS) antigen can be detected, and to detect CS antigen in mosquitoes squashed on filter paper (FP) and cellulose acetate membrane (CAM). The CS antigen was detectable only in mature oocysts, a day prior to sporozoite liberation, and in salivary gland sporozoites. Dissected sporozoites adsorbed on FP/CAM also can be analyzed by IRMA for Plasmodium species identification.