Distinguishing between male and female gametocytes.

Abstract

<p>A) IFAT image of stage V gametocytes showing all fluorophores from the secondary antibodies and DAPI (red, green and blue). B) Rhodamine (red) is visualized, which reacts with anti-α-tubulin II antibodies. C) DAPI (blue) is visualized, reacting with the nuclear material. D) FITC (green) is visualized, reacting with anti-Pfg377 antibodies. The white dotted circle shows gametocytes staining with anti-Pfg377 and anti-α-tubulin II (females), whereas the yellow dotted circle reveals one gametocyte that only reacts with anti-α-tubulin II antibodies (male). It can be seen that gametocytes which reacted with anti-Pfg377 antibodies, also reacted with anti-α-tubulin II antibodies, when comparing B) and D). Parasites were magnified ×1000.</p