Diversity of merozoite surface protein-3beta gene of plasmodium vivax isolates from Iran

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium vivax malaria accounts for approximately 88% of malaria cases in Iran. There is limited information on genetic diversity of P. vivax in the country and a need to develop and apply an effective vaccine against the disease is necessary. Among many potential candidates, MSP -3beta gene is promising target. This study was designed and carried out to determine the variation of this gene as genetic marker in population of malarious areas of Iran. Blood sample of 85 P. vivax isolates from four southern and east-southern provinces of the country assessed for polymorphism of PvMSP-3beta gene by PCR/RFLP method. Based on the size of PCR product of the gene, 7 genetically different types of parasite has been distinguished. Two alleles were simultaneously visible in 19% of the cases. Results from PCR/RFLP analysis of PvMSP-3beta gene showed at least 15 allelic groups. Multiple infections have been found in 2.4% of the cases. PvMSP-3beta gene was highly diverse in P. vivax isolates of malarious areas of Iran, and can be a suitable marker for population genetic studies of P. vivax. More investigations on PvMSP-3beta genes are needed to reveal genetic structure of P. vivax in Iran