Chitinase in Microfilariae of Brugia malayi
Author Information
Author(s): Wu Yang, Preston Gillian Bianco, Albert E.
Primary Institution: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
Hypothesis
Chitinase is stored in the inner body of microfilariae and plays a role in their exsheathment.
Conclusion
Chitinase is secreted during the exsheathment of microfilariae in the mosquito, which may aid in their infectivity.
Supporting Evidence
- Chitinase expression coincides with the infectivity of microfilariae to mosquitoes.
- Chitinase was localized to the inner body of microfilariae using immuno-electron microscopy.
- Inhibition of chitinase activity reduced the exsheathment of microfilariae.
Takeaway
Microfilariae have a special protein called chitinase that helps them shed their outer layer when they enter mosquitoes.
Methodology
Immuno-electron microscopy was used to study chitinase localization, and chitinase activity was measured using fluorometric assays.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in antibody specificity and cross-reactivity with other species.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific species and may not generalize to all filarial nematodes.
Participant Demographics
Mongolian jirds were used as the animal model for the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website