Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity can be characterised using the polymorphic merozoite surface antigen 2 (MSA-2) gene as a single locus marker.
The genetic diversity of Solomon Island Plasmodium falciparum isolates was examined using MSA-2 as a single locus marker. Amplification of MSA-2 gene fragments showed size polymorphism and the presence of mixed infections. Sequence analysis indicated a global representation of MSA-2 alleles with representatives of 3D7/CAMP allelic subfamilies and the FCQ-27 allelic family being identified. A simplified method of characterisation, utilising PCR-RFLPs of MSA-2 gene fragments, was developed. The RFLPs allowed identification of allelic families and further distinction within the 3D7/CAMP family. The amplification of MSA-2 gene fragments from culture derived lines revealed a loss of diversity for a number of Solomon Island isolates. Genomic diversity was confirmed for Solomon Island lines, along with Papua New Guinean and Thai lines, by the generation of 7H8/6 fingerprints. All lines were distinct and band sharing frequencies and Wagner tree construction failed to identify any geographic clustering.
Prescott
N
N
Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Brisbane, Australia.
Stowers
A W
AW
Cheng
Q
Q
Bobogare
A
A
Rzepczyk
C M
CM
Saul
A
A
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000235:genetics; D001483:Base Sequence; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting; D017125:Genes, Protozoan / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D016778:Malaria, Falciparum / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology*; D008542:Melanesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010219:Papua New Guinea / Q000453:epidemiology; D010963:Plasmodium falciparum / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D015800:Protozoan Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D017386:Sequence Homology, Amino Acid; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology
D000953:Antigens, Protozoan; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D015800:Protozoan Proteins; C065974:merozoite surface protein 2, Plasmodium