Normal numbers of gametocytes are produced. Whereas, pbqsox deletion did not affect the formation of macrogametes, it reduced the number of exflagellation centers by 28.0%. Ookinetes in the pbqsox line retained normal morphology, but the proportion of mature ookinetes (stage IV-VI) was reduced by 43.1%.Consistent with the in vitro ookinete conversion result, the number of ookinetes formed in the blood bolus of mosquitoes feeding on pbqsox-infected mice was 60.264.6% lower than that with the WT parasites.

A 61.862.8% reduction in oocyst number/midgut in mosquitoes after feeding on pbqsox-infected mice as compared to those fed on WT parasite-infected mice. The gross morphology of oocysts appeared normal in the pbqsox parasites compared to the WT