Limited genetic diversity among Plasmodium falciparium isolates using nested PCR in Jazan Area, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Objective: To establish molecular characterization of Plasmodium falciparum field isolates in Jazan Area of Saudi Arabia measured with highly polymorphic genetic marker, i.e. the merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP 2). Methods: Blood samples were collected from 128 clinically suspected patients attending both Jazan and Sabia hospitals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Both hospitals reflected urban and rural settings respectively. Analysis of central polymorphic region of MSP 2 (3D7 and FC27 allelic families) was performed using nested PCR for malaria patients. Results: For MSP 2 allelic families of Plasmodium falciparum, 16 cases (53.3%) carried FC27 type and 14 cases (46.7%) carried 3D7 type, whereas no malaria cases harbored both allelic types. The present study showed that in urban area, 80% of FC27 fragments were 500 bp while in rural area it was 45.5% (P = 0.08). The FC27 400 bp allele was more prevalent in patients from rural than those from the urban area (P = 0.08). The most prevalent infecting 3D7 allele was the 3D7 300 bp in both areas. In the present study, there were no multiple infections. Conclusions: The limited genetic diversity which was observed in Jazan (considered as an endemic area) may be attributed to the small sample size or sustained malaria control program.