Characterization of the Population Demographics and the MSP-1 Block 2 Allele Gene Frequencies of <i>P. falciparum</i> Infected Individuals in Davao, Philippines

ABSTRACT

<i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> is one of the causative agents of malaria in humans. This parasite causes the most severe forms of the disease. In order to combat the disease, it is important to have knowledge about the parasite and its interaction with its host. In this study, we profiled 74 patients admitted to hospital in Tagum, Davao, Philippines who were confirmed to be infected with <i>P. falciparum</i>. We correlated the age, sex and parasite load with malaria severity and show that among these, only sex is correlated with disease severity in this population. In addition, we profiled the MSP-1 block 2 allele distribution in the population and found that the most abundant allele form was K1, followed by MAD20. The RO33 allele form was the rarest allele in this population.