Plasmodium knowlesi: persistence of transmission blocking immunity in monkeys immunized with gamete antigens.

Eight rhesus monkeys immunized with a partially purified preparation of Plasmodium knowlesi gametes were monitored for over 6 years to determine the extent of transmission blocking immunity. Monkeys were challenged regularly, and anti-gamete antibodies were assayed by in vivo and in vitro mosquito feedings. Transmission blocking immunity persisted at high levels in most of the monkeys. In those animals in which protection waned between challenges, a challenge infection provided a sufficient booster effect to prevent infection of mosquitoes. Immunity to other stages of malaria (i.e., sporozoites and asexual erythrocyte forms) failed to induce immunity against gametes.