Declining genetic polymorphism of the C-terminus Merozoite Surface Protein-1 amidst increased Plasmodium knowlesi transmission in Thailand.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent reports from Thailand reveal a substantial surge in Plasmodium knowlesi cases over the past decades, with a more than eightfold increase in incidence by 2023 compared to 2018. This study investigates temporal changes in genetic polymorphism associated with the escalating transmission of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand over time using the prominent vaccine candidate, pkmsp1 as a marker.

Methods

Twenty-five P. knowlesi samples collected in 2018-2023 were sequenced for the 42-kDa region of pkmsp1 and compared with 24 retrieved sequences in 2000-2009, focusing on nucleotide diversity, natural selection, recombination rate, and population differentiation.

Results

Seven unique haplotypes were identified in recent samples, compared to 15 in earlier samples.

SUBMITTER: Tapaopong P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11562464 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature