Abstract
Background: Malaria is a major health problem, with over one third of worldwide populations currently at risk. Determining the genetic diversity of plasmodium parasites is essential for assessing the efficacy of antimalarial drugs and for future vaccine development. This study investigated the genetic diversity of P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2), and multiplicity of infection (MOI) in different geographic regions in Sudan. Methods: A total of 271 patients with uncomplicated malaria were recruited from four ecological sites during malaria transmission season, 2011-2013. P. falciparum was confirmed using species specific primers targeting the rDNA gene. All P. falciparum positive samples were genotyped for the major MSP2 allelic families (IC1/3D7 and FC27 MSP2 allele) using nested PCR. Multiplicity of infection and allele frequencies were determined. Results: A total of 241 samples (88.9%) were confirmed positive for P. falciparum. The number of different MSP2 alleles were 14, 15, 13 and 12 in Khartoum, Gezira, River Nile and Red Sea states, respectively. The 3D7 allelic family was more prevalent in the states of Khartoum, Gezira, River Nile and Red Sea compared to the FC27 allelic family. Multiclonal infections were observed in 25.8% of patients, with a mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1.45. MOIs were highest in the age group over 40, with an average of 2 and 1.68 in Khartoum and Gezira states, respectively, however MOIs in River Nile and Red Sea states were higher in age groups below 18, with an average of 1.37 and 1.33, respectively. Conclusions: MSP2 allelic genotyping revealed MOI and diversity of the Sudanese P. falciparum isolates. The results of our study are expected to influence current and future malaria control strategies, since the MOI predicts development of clinical malaria and subsequent efficacy of antimalarial treatment.
Highlights
Malaria is a major health problem, with over one third of worldwide populations currently at risk
P. falciparum ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was detected in a total of 241 (88.9%) malaria patients using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Figure 1). 158 (65.6%) were male, while 83 (34.4%) were female
Allelic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2), multiplicity of infection, distribution of multiclonal P. falciparum infection, and parasite density across different age groups in Sudan Allele genotyping revealed the highly polymorphic nature of Sudanese P. falciparum isolates with respect to the MSP2 gene
Summary
Malaria is a major health problem, with over one third of worldwide populations currently at risk. This study investigated the genetic diversity of P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2), and multiplicity of infection (MOI) in different geographic regions in Sudan. All P. falciparum positive samples were genotyped for the major MSP2 allelic families (IC1/3D7 and FC27 MSP2 allele) using nested PCR. Results: A total of 241 samples (88.9%) were confirmed positive for P. falciparum. The number of different MSP2 alleles were 14, 15, 13 and 12 in Khartoum, Gezira, River Nile and Red Sea states, respectively. The 3D7 allelic family was more prevalent in the states of Khartoum, Gezira, River Nile and Red Sea compared to the FC27 allelic family. MOIs were highest in the age group over 40, with an average of 2 and 1.68 in Khartoum and Gezira states, respectively, MOIs in River Nile and Red Sea states
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
