Title : Genetic diversity of plasmodium falciparum Msp-1, Msp-2, and glurp genes in clinical isolates from Cameroon: Implications for malaria control and vaccine development

Abstract:

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Cameroon, with Plasmodium falciparum as the predominant species. Understanding parasite genetic diversity is critical for advancing vaccine development and malaria control efforts. This study analyzed 350 clinical isolates, focusing on polymorphic regions of msp-1 (block 2), msp-2 (block 3), and glurp (region II) using nested PCR and DNA sequencing. Five GLURP genotypes (597–817 bp) and sixteen msp-1 genotypes within the K1, MAD20, and RO33 families (153–335 bp) were identified. Additionally, twenty-seven msp-2 genotypes (140–568 bp) were observed, comprising 15 3D7-type and 12 FC27-type alleles. K1 polymorphisms exhibited the highest sequence similarity (93–100%). The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was significantly higher for msp-2 (3.82) compared to msp-1 (2.51) (P < 0.05). Heterozygosity values indicated substantial genetic diversity (0.55 for msp-1 and 0.96 for msp-2). These findings underscore intense malaria transmission and highlight the need for strengthened control strategies. Vaccines targeting K1 and MAD20 variants may enhance protection among African children, pending further validation through genetic and immunological studies.

Biography:

Dr. Theresia Njuabe Metoh is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Bamenda, Cameroon. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Yaounde and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese CDC, Shanghai. Her research focuses on malaria molecular epidemiology, particularly the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum, antimalarial drug resistance, and the development of adjunct therapies. She has characterized polymorphic markers to understand parasite population structure and transmission dynamics, providing key insights into vaccine design and malaria control strategies. Dr. Metoh’s work integrates molecular surveillance with field studies to address persistent malaria transmission in endemic regions. She has extensive experience mentoring young researchers and actively participates in international collaborations, aligning her research with the global fight against malaria.