Genetic polymorphism of Merozoite Surface Protein-2 (MSP-2) in <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> isolates from Pawe District, North West Ethiopia

<div><p>Background</p><p>In malaria endemic regions, <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> infection is characterized by extensive genetic diversity. Describing this diversity provides important information about the local malaria situation. This study was conducted to evaluate the extent of genetic diversity of <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum</i> in Pawe district, North West Ethiopia, using the highly polymorphic merozoite surface protein 2 gene.</p><p>Methods</p><p>Atotal of 92 isolates from patients with uncomplicated <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum</i> attending Pawe Health Centre were collected from September to December 2013. Genomic DNA was extracted using the Chelex method and analyzed by length polymorphism following gel electrophoresis of DNA products from nested PCR of <i>msp2</i> (block 3), targeting allelic families of FC27 and 3D7/IC.</p><p>Results</p><p>There were twenty-two different <i>msp2</i> alleles, 11 corresponding to the 3D7/ IC and 11 to the FC27 allelic family. The frequency of isolates of the <i>msp2</i> 3D7/IC allelic familywas higher (51%) compared to FC27 (49%). The majority of the isolates (76%) contained multiple infections andthe overall mean multiplicity of infection was 2.8 (CI 95% 2.55–3.03). The heterozygosity index was 0.66 for <i>msp2</i>. There was no statically significant difference in the multiplicity of infection by age or parasite density.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>The results of this study show that <i>P</i>.<i>falciparum</i> polymorphismsare extensive in Northwest Ethiopia and most of the infections are composed of multiple clones.</p></div

Distribution of 3D7/IC alleles of <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum</i> msp2 gene isolates in northwest Ethiopia.

<p>Distribution of 3D7/IC alleles of <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum</i> msp2 gene isolates in northwest Ethiopia.</p

Relationship between geometric mean parasite density and multiplicity of <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum</i> infection (n = 92).

<p>Relationship between geometric mean parasite density and multiplicity of <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum</i> infection (n = 92).</p

Distribution of FC27 alleles of <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum msp2</i> gene in isolates in northwest Ethiopia.

<p>Distribution of FC27 alleles of <i>P</i>. <i>falciparum msp2</i> gene in isolates in northwest Ethiopia.</p

Mean of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> density (parasite/ul) and multiplicity of infection in <i>msp2</i> gene stratified by age group (N = 92).

<p>Mean of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> density (parasite/ul) and multiplicity of infection in <i>msp2</i> gene stratified by age group (N = 92).</p

Demographic and parasitological data of the study individuals at Pawe district, North West Ethiopia, 2016.

<p>Demographic and parasitological data of the study individuals at Pawe district, North West Ethiopia, 2016.</p

Additional file 1: of Countdown to 2015 country case studies: what can analysis of national health financing contribute to understanding MDG 4 and 5 progress?

Health Financing Analysis for Countdown Case Studies: A Guide. (PDF 1459 kb