Genotypic and antigenic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum merozoite proteins in Malawian children with severe and uncomplicated malaria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Malaria disease presentation and severity could be influenced in part by differential virulence among Plasmodium falciparum genotypes and/or by the multiplicity of infection (MOI).

Methods

Using polymorphic merozoite surface proteins MSP-1 and MSP-2, the genetic and serological diversity of P. falciparum parasites infecting children with different clinical presentations of malaria was characterized during two transmission seasons in Malawi. Plasmodium falciparum isolates were obtained from 93 patients with cerebral malaria (CM), 50 with severe anaemia (SMA), 26 with CM and SMA, and 92 with uncomplicated malaria (UM).

Results

There was more parasite genetic diversity amongst patients with SMA (mean ± SD 2.70 ± 1.20) than amongst those with CM (2.25 ± 0.89) (

SUBMITTER: Dobano C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12621401 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature