Whole-genome scans provide evidence of adaptive evolution in Malawian Plasmodium falciparum isolates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Selection by host immunity and antimalarial drugs has driven extensive adaptive evolution in Plasmodium falciparum and continues to produce ever-changing landscapes of genetic variation.

Methods

We performed whole-genome sequencing of 69 P. falciparum isolates from Malawi and used population genetics approaches to investigate genetic diversity and population structure and identify loci under selection.

Results

High genetic diversity (π = 2.4 × 10(-4)), moderately high multiplicity of infection (2.7), and low linkage disequilibrium (500-bp) were observed in Chikhwawa District, Malawi, an area of high malaria transmission. Allele frequency-based tests provided evidence of recent population growth in Malawi and detected potential targets of host immunity and c

SUBMITTER: Ocholla H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4241944 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature