Population structure and diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in children with asymptomatic malaria living in different ecological zones of Ghana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum populations can be used to describe the resilience and spatial distribution of the parasite in the midst of intensified intervention efforts. This study used microsatellite analysis to evaluate the genetic diversity and population dynamics of P. falciparum parasites circulating in three ecological zones of Ghana.

Methods

A total of 1168 afebrile children aged between 3 to 13 years were recruited from five (5) Primary schools in 3 different ecological zones (Sahel (Tamale and Kumbungu), Forest (Konongo) and Coastal (Ada and Dodowa)) of Ghana. Asymptomatic malaria parasite carriage was determined using microscopy and PCR, whilst fragment analysis of 6 microsatellite loci was used to determine the diversity and population st

SUBMITTER: Amoah LE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8120845 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature