Genetic characterization of Hawaiian isolates of Plasmodium relictum reveals mixed-genotype infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The relatively recent introduction of a highly efficient mosquito vector and an avian pathogen (Plasmodium relictum) to an isolated island ecosystem with naïve, highly susceptible avian hosts provides a unique opportunity to investigate evolution of virulence in a natural system. Mixed infections can significantly contribute to the uncertainty in host-pathogen dynamics with direct impacts on virulence. Toward further understanding of how host-parasite and parasite-parasite relationships may impact virulence, this study characterizes within-host diversity of malaria parasite populations based on genetic analysis of the trap (thrombospondin-related anonymous protein) gene in isolates originating from Hawaii, Maui and Kauai Islands.

Methods

A total of 397 clones were

SUBMITTER: Jarvi SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2464593 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature