Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium vivax in Kolkata, India
Author Information
Author(s): Kim Jung-Ryong, Imwong Mallika, Nandy Amitabha, Chotivanich Kesinee, Nontprasert Apichart, Tonomsing Naowarat, Maji Ardhendu, Addy Manjulika, Day Nick PJ, White Nicholas J, Pukrittayakamee Sasithon
Primary Institution: Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata, India
Hypothesis
What is the genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax in Kolkata?
Conclusion
The P. vivax parasite population is highly diverse in Kolkata, despite the low level of transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- P. vivax malaria accounts for approximately 60% of malaria cases in Kolkata.
- A large number of distinguishable alleles were found from three genetic markers: 11 for pvcs, 35 for pvmsp1, and 37 for pvmsp3-alpha.
- Among the 151 isolates, 142 unique genotypes were detected.
Takeaway
Scientists studied blood samples from people with malaria in Kolkata and found that the malaria germs were very different from each other, even though not many people were getting sick.
Methodology
Blood samples from 151 patients with P. vivax infection were genotyped at three polymorphic loci.
Limitations
The study may not represent all regions of India due to the specific urban setting of Kolkata.
Participant Demographics
Patients with symptomatic P. vivax malaria attending the malaria clinic in Kolkata.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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