Sequence variation in Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-2 is associated with virulence causing severe and cerebral malaria.

ABSTRACT: Parasite virulence, an important factor contributing to the severity of Plasmodium falciparum infection, varies among P. falciparum strains. Relatively little is known regarding markers of virulence capable of identifying strains responsible for severe malaria. We investigated the effects of genetic variations in the P.f. merozoite surface protein 2 gene (msp2) on virulence, as it was previously postulated as a factor. We analyzed 300 msp2 sequences of single P. falciparum clone infection from patients with uncomplicated disease as well as those admitted for severe malaria with and without cerebral disease. The association of msp2 variations with disease severity was examined. We found that the N allele at codon 8 of Block 2 in the FC27-like msp2 gene was significantly associated with seve

SUBMITTER: Chaorattanakawee S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5771562 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature