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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 2 and prevalence of K76T pfcrt mutation in Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from Congolese children with asymptomatic infections
Malaria Journal, Volume 11, Article 105, Year 2012
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Description
Background: In order to prepare the field site for future interventions, the prevalence of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infection was evaluated in a cohort of children living in Brazzaville. Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 gene (msp2) was used to characterize the genetic diversity and the multiplicity of infection. The prevalence of mutant P. falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) allele in isolates was also determined. Methods. Between April and June 2010, 313 children below 10 years of age enrolled in the cohort for malaria surveillance were screened for P. falciparum infection using microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The children were selected on the basis of being asymptomatic. Plasmodium falciparum msp2 gene was genotyped by allele-specific nested PCR and the pfcrt K76T mutation was detected using nested PCR followed by restriction endonuclease digestion. Results: The prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum infections was 8.6% and 16% by microscopy and by PCR respectively. Allele typing of the msp2 gene detected 55% and 45% of 3D7 and FC27 allelic families respectively. The overall multiplicity of infections (MOI) was 1.3. A positive correlation between parasite density and multiplicity of infection was found. The prevalence of the mutant pfcrt allele (T76) in the isolates was 92%. Conclusion: This is the first molecular characterization of P. falciparum field isolates in Congolese children, four years after changing the malaria treatment policy from chloroquine (CQ) to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). The low prevalence of asymptomatic infections and MOI is discussed in the light of similar studies conducted in Central Africa. © 2012 Koukouikila-Koussounda et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Koukouikila-Koussounda, Félix
Congo, Brazzaville
Congolese Foundation for Medical Research
Congo, Brazzaville
Universite Marien Ngouabi
Germany, Tubingen
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Malonga, Vladimir
Congo, Brazzaville
Congolese Foundation for Medical Research
Pembe Issamou Mayengue, Pembé
Congo, Brazzaville
Congolese Foundation for Medical Research
Congo, Brazzaville
Universite Marien Ngouabi
Ndounga, Mathieu
Congo
Centre de Recherche Sur Les Ressources Végétales
Congo
Hôpital de Base de Makélékélé
Vouvoungui, Christevy Jeannhey
Congo, Brazzaville
Congolese Foundation for Medical Research
Congo, Brazzaville
Universite Marien Ngouabi
Ntoumi, Francine
Congo, Brazzaville
Congolese Foundation for Medical Research
Congo, Brazzaville
Universite Marien Ngouabi
Germany, Tubingen
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Statistics
Citations: 31
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 5
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1475-2875-11-105
e-ISSN:
14752875
Research Areas
Cancer
Genetics And Genomics
Health System And Policy
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Cohort Study