Abstract
BackgroundRapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have revolutionized the diagnosis of malaria. Among the various factors affecting RDTs sensitivity is genetic variation of the antigen used. The genetic variation in PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 proteins was studied among the Indian Plasmodium falciparum isolates.MethodsOne hundred and forty isolates of P. falciparum were collected from six geographical regions of India. Target genes encoding PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 antigens were sequenced to study genetic polymorphism. Minimum detection limit giving a positive rapid diagnostic test was also determined.ResultsExtensive variations were observed in amino acid repeat types of PfHRP2 and PfHRP3. PfHRP2 exhibited more polymorphism than PfHRP3. Significant relation was observed between type 2 and type 7 repeats and RDT detection rate as higher number of these repeats showed better sensitivity with RDTs.ConclusionThe results provide insights into the genetic diversity of Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 genes among Indian P. falciparum population and its relation to RDT sensitivity.
Highlights
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have revolutionized the diagnosis of malaria
Genetic diversity may be an important factor for these antigenbased RDTs and it has been reported that the Plasmodium falciparum-specific histidine rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) antigen varies in size between different parasite strains [4,5]
These samples included panels prepared for quality assurance of RDTs and culture adapted samples from the Malaria Parasite Bank of National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR)
Summary
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have revolutionized the diagnosis of malaria. Among the various factors affecting RDTs sensitivity is genetic variation of the antigen used. The development of alternative diagnostic method like RDTs has made it possible to provide rapid and accurate detection of malaria parasites in remote areas where. Several factors affect the performance of malaria RDTs, which include test factors and parasite factors. Genetic diversity may be an important factor for these antigenbased RDTs and it has been reported that the PfHRP2 antigen varies in size between different parasite strains [4,5]. No systematic examination of diversity in these genes has been carried out in Indian isolates, nor has any relationship between genetic diversity of diagnostic antigen and RDT detection sensitivity been examined, while variable sensitivity has been observed
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