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.