Genetic Diversity of Merozoite Surface Protein-1 and -2 Genes in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates among Asymptomatic Population in Boset and Badewacho Districts, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background. The genetic variation of Plasmodium falciparum has been studied to assess local malaria transmission genetic profile using evidence-based intervention measures. However, there are no known previous reports of P. falciparum polymorphism in Badewacho and Boset districts, Southern Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of the merozoite surface protein-1 and -2 (msp-1 and msp-2) allelic families in P. falciparum isolates from an asymptomatic populations. Methods. This study was conducted from finger-prick blood samples spotted on 3 mm Whatman filter paper collected during a community-based cross-sectional study. Nested polymerase chain reaction amplification was used to type the allelic variants of msp-1 and msp-2. Results. From 669 asymptomatic study participants, a total of 50 samples positive for P. falciparum were included for molecular analysis. Of 50 positive samples, 43 P. falciparum isolates were successfully amplified for the msp-1 and msp-2 allelic families. A total of twelve different allele sizes (75–250 bp) were identified within the three allelic families of msp-1, whereas ten different allele sizes (250–500 bp) were detected within the two allelic families of msp-2. MAD20 had a higher allelic proportion, 65% among allelic families of msp-1, whereas the 3D7 allelic family 90.7% was higher in msp-2. A slightly higher frequency of polyclonal infection 53.5% was found in msp-2 allelic family, whereas a low proportion polyclonal infection 46.5% was found in msp-1 allelic family. The overall mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) for msp-1 and msp-2 was identical (MOI = 1.56). Correspondingly, the expected heterozygosity (He) value for msp-1 (He = 0.23) and msp-2 (He = 0.22) was almost similar. Conclusions. The findings of this study revealed low genetic diversity of the msp-1 and msp-2 allelic families in P. falciparum isolates. However, continued monitoring status of the local genetic diversity profile in the P. falciparum population is required to support current malaria control and elimination strategies.

Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection in Ethiopia: systematic and meta-analysis

“…However, these one outlier individual studies were not included in the meta-analysis. This study showed that, the pooled prevalence of msp-1 gene was 100% (surrounding Adama) (35). Moreover, the overall prevalence of P. falciparum with msp-1 gene is high (84%), even though some of the individual studies have not detected the msp-1 gene.…”

Assessing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Artemether-Lumefantrine for Uncomplicated Malaria in Lagos, Nigeria: A Comprehensive Study on Treatment Response and Resistance Markers

“…Genetic diversity of P. falciparum is a critical factor in uencing the epidemiology, transmission dynamics and potential for the development of antimalarial drug resistance. Merozoite surface proteins (MSPs), such as MSP1 and MSP2, have been extensively studied as genetic markers to assess the diversity and complexity of P. falciparum infections [13][14][15]. Knowledge of the genetic characteristics of malaria parasites is essential for tailoring control strategies.…”