Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates in Nigeria. A review

Abstract

Background The complexity of infection in malaria-endemic areas is exacerbated by the presence of genetically diverse Plasmodium falciparum strains. There is a risk that more virulent or drug-resistant versions of the disease may arise. Therefore, we reviewed most reported molecular markers that have been detailed to date in Nigeria. Main body of the abstract In this review, we have summarized the genetic diversity of P. falciparum in Nigeria using the two well-reported genes (msp1 and msp2) as genetic diversity biomarkers. The review includes the findings obtained from research conducted in all major geopolitical regions of the country. We found that MSP-2 infection complexity is generally moderate to high in the North-central region. However, in the South-West, there were several regions where the multiplicity of infection (MOI) was either low or extremely high. Conclusion Understanding how Nigeria's malaria situation fits into various reports on P. falciparum genetic variation can improve treatment and immunization options. This review will be helpful for future treatment strategies that would be tailored to the specific needs of Nigeria's malaria-endemic populations.

Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection based on msp-1, msp-2, glurp and microsatellite genetic markers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The prevalence of polyclonal infections ranged from 16.3% in Ethiopia in East Africa [ 19 ] to 98% in Equatorial Guinea in Central Africa [ 22 ] to 98% in Equatorial Guinea in Central Africa [ 27 ] (Table 2 ). The overall pooled prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum polyclonal infections was 63% (95% CI 56–70) across all studies.…”

“…Data on Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and MOI are relatively sparse, making it difficult to easily identify relevant patterns in SSA. Some studies have focused solely on MOI but not genetic diversity [ 25 , 26 ], while others have been conducted within a single country [ 27 ], or utilized a single genetic marker [ 28 ]. This study collated published data on Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity and MOI in SSA and summarized this data for symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals using a few genetic markers that are widely utilised for parasite genotyping in SSA.…”

Molecular Epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum Infections Using PCR-based Assays in Jos, Nigeria-cross-sectional Study

“…In Nigeria, there are still cases of asymptomatic malaria (where people have the disease, but show no symptoms), making it tough to control and so contribute to the spread of the parasites [4]. Another challenge is that the parasites can change, becoming more dangerous or resistant to drugs [5]. Also, cerebral malaria, the most severe form of the disease which involves neurological complications, is of particular concern due to its high mortality rate [6].…”

Kelch 13 gene polymorphisms of Plasmodium falciparum among human population in Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

“…Malaria is a vector-borne deadly disease caused by Plasmodium species and remains a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa [1,2]. It is estimated to cause 241 million clinical episodes and 627,000 deaths with an estimated 94% of deaths occurring in the WHO African Region [3,4]. According to the 2020 World Malaria Report, Nigeria has the highest number of global malaria cases with 27% of global malaria cases in 2019 and accounted for the highest number of global malaria deaths which stands at 23% [2,5,6].…”