Plasmodium berghei, chabaudi, yoelii, vinckei: Classification recommendation of the ZKBS

The single-celled parasites Plasmodium berghei, Plasmodium chabaudi, Plasmodium yoelii, and Plasmodium vinckei are known to cause malaria in murine rodents. While previously only the scuttled rat (Grammomys poensis) was known as a natural host, recent studies have identified other natural murine hosts, including mice, hamsters, and other rat species.

Until 2019, only the mosquito Anopheles dureni millecampsi was known to be a vector for transmitting the parasites. Here, too, recent studies show that vector-based transmission can also occur through other Anopheles species.

The parasites mentioned also show a high degree of similarity to the genome of the human malaria parasite. The ZKBS recommends classifying Plasmodium berghei, Plasmodium chabaudi, Plasmodium yoelii, and Plasmodium vinckei as Risk group 2 for genetic engineering work. If genetic engineering work is carried out with the parasites without the vector organisms or with parasites in non-infectious life stages, the work can be carried out in the Security level 1 The ZKBS bases its classification on the pathogens' limited host range, which makes human infection unlikely. Furthermore, the mosquito species that serve as natural vectors are not widespread in Germany. However, the ZKBS points out that experimental evidence has also shown transmission by mosquito species native to the country.

Therefore, even when working with non-infectious stages or without vectors at safety level 1, additional requirements must be observed to prevent mosquitoes from entering and rodents from escaping: • The genetic engineering facility must be equipped to prevent mosquitoes from entering or leaving (e.g. by means of mosquito repellent). • Means for killing mosquitoes must be available in the laboratory (fly swatters, insect spray if necessary). • The test animals must be prevented from escaping by suitable measures (e.g. by setting traps).

We have sent you the detailed statement from the ZKBS here linked.