Genetic Characteristics of Polymorphic Antigenic Markers among Korean Isolates of Plasmodium vivax

Abstract

The high levels of antigenic polymorphism found in most P. vivax parasites indicate the development of sophisticated evasion of the human immune system [8]. Detailed knowledge of this genetic variation and comparisons of inter-and intra-speciesspecific levels of gene variation will both resolve epidemiological questions about parasite origin and provide tools with which to design an effective vaccine. Polymorphic repetitive sequences, Genetic Characteristics of Polymorphic Antigenic Markers among Korean Isolates of Plasmodium vivaxKorean J Parasitol. Vol. 47, Supplement: S51-S58, October 2009 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2009 Abstract: Plasmodium vivax, a protozoan malaria parasite of humans, represents a major public health concern in the Republic of Korea (= South Korea). However, little is known about the genetic properties and population structures of the P. vivax isolates circulating in South Korea. This article reviews known polymorphic genetic markers in South Korean isolates of P. vivax and briefly summarizes the current issues surrounding the gene and population structures of this parasite. The critical genetic characteristics of major antigens of the parasite, such as circumsporozoite protein (CSP), merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) and MSP-3, Duffy binding protein (DBP), apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA-1), and GAM-1, are also discussed.

The association of Duffy binding protein region II polymorphisms and its antigenicity in Plasmodium vivax isolates from Thailand

“…Analysis of field parasites shows that some polymorphic residues in DBPII are unique to one population or geographic region, while some variant amino acids, K371E, D384G, E385K, K386N, N417K, L424I, W347R and I503K are common among global vivax isolates (12, 13, 16, 17). However, only a few individuals produce anti-DBP responses that broadly inhibit against multiple allelic variants (18, 19).…”

First imported relapse case of Plasmodium vivax malaria and analysis of its origin by CSP sequencing in Henan Province, China

“…According to the previous studies, the amino acid sequence of this case in the CSP regions belonged to the VK210 type [15, 16]. For further analysis, the sequence from the case was identical to the sequence he had before (Case 2013) and the sequence from his follow–up (txry2013).…”

Genetic diversity and effect of natural selection at apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) among Iranian Plasmodium vivax isolates

“…Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are identified in certain regions of the gene that may serve as a useful molecular marker for typing parasite populations including microsatellites and repetitive regions (Cui et al 2003). These markers can also provide the basic information for strategic development of monoor polyvalent vaccine (Hwang et al 2009).…”