Jpn. J. Infect. Dis., 54, 181-183, 2001

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Short Communication

Anti-Mosquito Ovary Antibodies Reduce the Fecundity of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera:Insecta)

S.K.Gakhar*, Anu Jhamb**, Monika Gulia and Rajnikant Dixit

Department of Biosciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak - l2400l, Haryana, India

(Received February 26, 2001. Accepted September 17, 2001)

SUMMARY: Rabbit antibodies to five antigens (AJ** 29, 35, 43, 64, and 80 kDa) derived from the ovaries of Anopheles stephensi tended to reduce the number of eggs produced. Ingestion of anti-mosquito ovary antibodies did not show a detectable effect on the mortality of mosquitoes. Antisera raised against An. stephensi ovaries showed cross-reactivity in other tissues and in the ovaries of other Anopheles spp. by Western blotting. The results indicate that anti-mosquito ovary antibodies have the potential to disrupt the reproductive physiology of mosquitoes, and indicate the need for further studies with target antigens.

** The antigens identified have been named after one of the co-authors who left for heavenly abode.

* Corresponding author: Fax: +91-1262-41132, E-mail: gakharsk@yahoo.co.in

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