Genetic Diversity of Duffy-Binding Protein in Thai Malaria Parasites
Author Information
Author(s): Gosi Panita, Khusmith Srisin, Khalambaheti Thareerat, Lanar David E, Schaecher Kurt E, Fukuda Mark M, Miller Scott R
Primary Institution: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University
Hypothesis
This study aimed to determine the extent of genetic polymorphisms and positive natural selection at domain II of the PvDBP gene among a sampling of Thai P. vivax isolates.
Conclusion
Polymorphisms within PvDBPII indicated that Thai vivax malaria parasites are genetically diverse.
Supporting Evidence
- A total of 30 point-mutations were observed in the PvDBPII gene among the set of Thai P. vivax isolates.
- The highest frequency of polymorphism was found in five variant amino acids with the variant L424I having the highest frequency.
- Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated six distinct allele groups among Thai isolates.
Takeaway
The study found that malaria parasites in Thailand have many genetic differences, which could make it harder to create a vaccine.
Methodology
The PvDBPII gene was PCR amplified and characterized from 30 Thai P. vivax isolates using DNA cloning and sequencing.
Limitations
The study only included a limited number of isolates from Thailand, which may not represent the entire population.
Participant Demographics
Malaria patients from the outpatient clinic, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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