GENETICS OF REFRACTORINESS TO PLASMODIUM-FALCIPARUM IN THE MOSQUITO ANOPHELES-STEPHENSI

We previously selected a line of the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles stephensi refractory (resistant) to the human malaria parasite Plasmo dium falciparum, using in vitro infections with P. falciparum gametocy tes. This report presents data on the genetic background of refractori ness. The results of F-1-crosses and backcrosses show that refractorin ess to P. falciparum in our A. stephensi line is autosomal and semi-do minant to susceptibility. The expression of refractoriness is apparent ly affected by a cytoplasmic factor. Interpretation of data from the c rosses by quantitative trait locus analysis shows that one gene or two unlinked interacting autosomal genes, or groups of closely linked gen es, are involved.