Malaria- Lucky dip Flashcards
How does Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 inhibit the development of Plasmodium falciparum within the mosquito vector?
Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1, a symbiotic bacterium found in certain mosquitoes, secretes a small molecule inhibitor called harmane. Harmane inhibits the early stages of Plasmodium falciparum development within the mosquito gut, preventing the parasite’s progression and subsequent transmission.
It can also penetrate the mosquito’s cuticle upon contact, further hindering parasite growth.
Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 is a naturally occurring symbiotic bacterium found in mosquitoes.
How does harmane work as an anti-malarial compound?
Harmane acts as an anti-malarial by targeting the early developmental stages of the Plasmodium parasite within the mosquito midgut. It specifically inhibits the formation of ookinetes, which are essential for the parasite’s life cycle.
What are the two delivery methods explored for introducing Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 into mosquito populations?
The study explored two main delivery methods: oral administration through attractive sugar baits containing the bacteria, and introduction of the bacteria into mosquito breeding sites to colonize larvae.
Does Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 impose a fitness cost on the Anopheles gambiae mosquito?
No, the study found that Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 did not negatively affect the mosquito’s lifespan, fecundity, fertility, or blood-feeding behavior.
How is Wolbachia pipientis being utilized in dengue fever control?
Wolbachia pipientis is a bacterium that, when introduced into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, can block the transmission of dengue virus. It is being used as a dengue control method by releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to mate with wild populations, leading to the spread of Wolbachia and reducing dengue transmission.
Why is defining a clear global trajectory for malaria eradication essential?
Defining a global trajectory for malaria eradication is crucial because it:
(1) provides a clear timeline and measurable targets for stakeholders to work towards,
(2) helps mobilize resources and funding for eradication efforts, and
(3) maintains the urgency and prioritization of malaria eradication until the goal is achieved
What is an attractive sugar bait (ASB) and how is it utilized in the mathematical model for malaria control?
An ASB is a sugar solution that is attractive to mosquitoes. In the mathematical model, ASBs laced with Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 are used to simulate a targeted intervention strategy. Mosquitoes feeding on these baits would ingest the bacteria, leading to colonization and subsequent reduction of malaria transmission.
What are the challenges associated with the use of HRP2-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria?
A growing concern with HRP2-based RDTs is the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum strains with deletions in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes. These deletions result in false-negative results, leading to misdiagnosis and potentially delayed treatment.
How does the R21/Matrix-M vaccine compare to the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in terms of efficacy?
The R21/Matrix-M vaccine has shown higher efficacy compared to the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in phase 2 clinical trials, demonstrating up to 77% protection against clinical malaria in young children.
What are the advantages of thianthrenation as a chemical reaction for the development of new antimalarial drugs?
Thianthrenation offers a highly selective method for introducing a sulfur atom into a molecule, potentially at a specific C–H bond. This selectivity is advantageous for drug development as it allows for precise modifications and can minimize off-target effects.
What are the advantages of using Delftia tsuruhatensis TC1 for malaria control?
- Long-lasting inhibition: It provides sustained inhibition of Plasmodium development, potentially for the mosquito’s entire lifespan.
- No fitness cost: This bacterium does not negatively impact the mosquito’s survival, reproduction, or feeding habits.
- Safety: It’s a biosafety level 1 organism, considered safe for environmental release.
- Non-GMO: Being a naturally occurring bacterium, it avoids concerns associated with genetically modified organisms.
- Resistance:By targeting the parasite within the mosquito, it reduces the risk of the parasite developing resistance to the intervention.
What are some promising new developments in malaria vaccine research?
- R21/Matrix-M: This vaccine candidate has shown promising results in Phase II clinical trials, demonstrating high efficacy (up to 77%) against clinical malaria.
- Whole-organism sporozoite vaccines: These vaccines utilize weakened or attenuated whole parasites to induce a broader immune response, potentially offering more robust protection.
- Transmission-blocking vaccines: These vaccines target the sexual stages of the parasite, aiming to interrupt malaria transmission by preventing the parasite from completing its lifecycle in the mosquito.
What are the challenges in developing effective malaria vaccines?
- Parasite complexity: The malaria parasite is highly complex, with a lifecycle that involves multiple stages, each presenting unique targets for vaccine development.
- Antigenic variation: The parasite can change its surface proteins, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and target it effectively.
- Limited understanding of protective immunity:Our knowledge of the immune responses required for long-lasting protection against malaria is incomplete.
What is Wolbachia pipientis, and how is it used for dengue control?
Wolbachia pipientis is a type of bacteria that naturally infects many insect species, but not the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue. When specific strains of Wolbachia are introduced into A. aegypti populations, they can block the transmission of dengue virus.
How does Wolbachia spread through mosquito populations?
Wolbachia employs a unique reproductive manipulation strategy. It is passed down from infected females to their offspring. Additionally, mating between Wolbachia-infected males and uninfected females results in non-viable eggs, further promoting the spread of the bacteria.
