Analysis of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions, and the structure and variability of PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 proteins: implications for the performance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Cubal, Angola.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) based on Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2-RDTs) are widely used for malaria diagnosis. However, the efficacy of PfHRP2-RDTs is compromised by deletions and genetic variations in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes. In addition, antigen variability, including diverse protein variants and epitope profiles, can affect the sensitivity of RDTs. This study aimed to report the frequency and genetic variability of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions and to assess PfHRP2 and PfHRP3 protein variability by analysing their impact on RDT performance in Cubal, a rural area in western Angola.

Methods

Samples were collected at the Hospital Nossa Senhora da Paz in Cubal from May to July 2022. A total of 100 dried blood samples from febrile patie

SUBMITTER: Mediavilla A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12487354 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature