Contrasting epidemiology and genetic variation of Plasmodium vivax infecting Duffy-negative individuals across Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Plasmodium vivax malaria was thought to be rare in Africans who lack the Duffy blood group antigen expression. However, recent studies indicate that P. vivax can infect Duffy-negative individuals and has spread into areas of high Duffy negativity across Africa. Our study compared epidemiological and genetic features of P. vivax between African regions.

Methods

A standardized approach was used to identify and quantify P. vivax from Botswana, Ethiopia, and Sudan, where Duffy-positive and Duffy-negative individuals coexist. The study involved sequencing the Duffy binding protein (DBP) gene and inferring genetic relationships among P. vivax populations across Africa.

Results

Among 1215 febrile patients, the proportions of Duffy negativity ranged from 20-36% in

SUBMITTER: Lo E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9004484 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature