Simultaneous Circulation of Two Malaria Species in Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Oguike Mary Chiaka, Betson Martha, Burke Martina, Nolder Debbie, Stothard J. Russell, Kleinschmidt Immo, Proietti Carla, Bousema Teun, Ndounga Mathieu, Tanabe Kazuyuki, Ntege Edward, Culleton Richard, Sutherland Colin J.
Primary Institution: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
Hypothesis
Ovale malaria in humans is caused by two closely related but distinct species of malaria parasite, Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri.
Conclusion
Both Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri are present in African communities and do not have geographical or temporal barriers preventing their recombination.
Supporting Evidence
- Discriminatory PCR tests identified both species in African surveys.
- Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri were found together in time and space.
- The combined population prevalence of P. ovale spp. was found to be between 1% and 6%.
Takeaway
There are two types of malaria parasites that can make people sick at the same time in Africa, and they live together without mixing their genes.
Methodology
The study used conventional and real-time quantitative PCR methods to identify and discriminate between the two species in blood samples from febrile malaria patients across multiple locations in Africa.
Limitations
The study did not analyze potra or porbp2 sequences from parasites in Southeast Asia, which requires further validation.
Participant Demographics
The study included febrile malaria patients and community members from Congo-Brazzaville, Uganda, and Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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