Abstract
BackgroundThe genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum has been extensively studied in various parts of the world. However, limited data are available from Mauritania. The present study examined and compared the genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates in Mauritania.MethodsPlasmodium falciparum isolates blood samples were collected from 113 patients attending health facilities in Nouakchott and Hodh El Gharbi regions. K1, Mad20 and RO33 allelic family of msp-1 gene were determined by nested PCR amplification.ResultsK1 family was the predominant allelic type carried alone or in association with Ro33 and Mad20 types (90%; 102/113). Out of the 113 P. falciparum samples, 93(82.3%) harboured more than one parasite genotype. The overall multiplicity of infection was 3.2 genotypes per infection. There was no significant correlation between multiplicity of infection and age of patients. A significant increase of multiplicity of infection was correlated with parasite densities.ConclusionsThe polymorphism of P. falciparum populations from Mauritania was high. Infection with multiple P. falciparum clones was observed, as well as a high multiplicity of infection reflecting both the high endemicity level and malaria transmission in Mauritania.
Highlights
The genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum has been extensively studied in various parts of the world
The majority of infection is due to Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for more than 80% of malaria cases and entomological studies show that the main vector is Anopheles gambiae [1,3,4,5,6,7]
Extensive genetic diversity in natural malaria parasite populations is a major obstacle for the development of an effective vaccine against these parasites, because antigenic diversity limits the efficiency of acquired protective immunity to malaria [11,12]
Summary
The genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum has been extensively studied in various parts of the world. The majority of infection is due to Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for more than 80% of malaria cases and entomological studies show that the main vector is Anopheles gambiae [1,3,4,5,6,7]. Extensive genetic diversity in natural malaria parasite populations is a major obstacle for the development of an effective vaccine against these parasites, because antigenic diversity limits the efficiency of acquired protective immunity to malaria [11,12]. Many P. falciparum proteins have been proposed for use as vaccine candidate antigens, but the merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) has been most studied [13,14]. It is important to investigate the diversity of msp-1 gene, in different geographic areas for the further development of effective malaria vaccine. Block 2, a region near the N-terminal of MSP-1, is the most polymorphic part of the antigen and appears to be under the strongest diversifying selection within natural populations [21]
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.
