Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium Falciparum and Plasmodium Vivax Isolates in Different Endemic Zones of Ethiopia
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Date
2005-07
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Genetic typing of the parasites has been used as a marker for determining the level of
transmission, level of acquired immune response and for analyzing the relationship
between infection and pathogenesis of malaria. The present study is aimed at describing
the prevalent parasite population dynamics of Ethiopian isolates in relation to age related
protection and parasite pathogencity in different geographical settings. For this purpose,
finger prick blood samples were collected on filter paper and slides from microscopically
confirmed malaria patients (age > 3 months) attending health clinics in Arbaminch, Burie,
Derra, and Zeway. Then DNA was extracted by chelex extraction method and used for
PCR amplification: family-specific nested PCR of MSP-2 gene for genotyping P.
falciparum and PCR-RFLP analysis of MSP-3α gene was used to genotype P.vivax. The
findings of the study showed that mean number of genotypes for P. falciparum was 2.34
with a range of 1 to 6 and 78.2% of the isolates were multiclonal majority of them
carrying double infection. Thirty-seven alleles were detected in FC27 (17) and IC-1 (20)
allelic families. No significant associations found between age and multiplicity of
infection while the difference was significant in different geographical areas. Fifteen
different genotypes of P. vivax were found and 7.2% of the isolates were multiclonal.
Based on the results of the study it was concluded that Ethiopian isolates P. vivax and P.
falciparum are highly diverse with a pattern similar to other countries with the same level
of transmission. Further nation wide investigation is recommended to better understand
polymorphism of malaria parasites in relation to acquired immune response and
pathogenicity.
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Biology