The effect of nosematosis on the development of Plasmodium falciparum in Anopheles stephensi.

To quantify the effect of Nosema algerae (Microsporidia, Nosematidae) on the development of Plasmodium falciparum in Anopheles stephensi (Diptera, Culicidae), we carried out infection experiments under standardized laboratory conditions. Apart from a mean reduction of 69% in oocyst development, smaller numbers of oocysts and fewer sporozoites were found in the Nosema-infected mosquitoes. In addition, nosematosis resulted in higher mortality. The potential role of Nosema algerae as a biological control agent is discussed.