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Badiane AS, Ngom B, Ndiaye T, Cunningham D, Campbell J, Gaye A, Sène A, Sy M, Ndiaye D, Nwakanma D, Langhorne J. Evidence of Plasmodium vivax circulation in western and eastern regions of Senegal: implications for malaria control. Malar J 2024; 23:149. [PMID: 38750583 PMCID: PMC11097470 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04932-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria elimination in Senegal requires accurate diagnosis of all Plasmodium species. Plasmodium falciparum is the most prevalent species in Senegal, although Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and recently Plasmodium vivax have also been reported. Nonetheless, most malaria control tools, such as Histidine Rich Protein 2 rapid diagnosis test (PfHRP2-RDT,) can only diagnose P. falciparum. Thus, PfHRP2-RDT misses non-falciparum species and P. falciparum infections that fall below the limit of detection. These limitations can be addressed using highly sensitive Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This study assesses the burden of the four different Plasmodium species in western and eastern regions of Senegal using targeted PCR amplicon sequencing. METHODS Three thousand samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in 2021 from three sites in Senegal (Sessene, Diourbel region; Parcelles Assainies, Kaolack region; Gabou, Tambacounda region) were collected. All samples were tested using PfHRP2-RDT and photoinduced electron transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR), which detects all Plasmodium species. Targeted sequencing of the nuclear 18S rRNA and the mitochondrial cytochrome B genes was performed on PET-PCR positive samples. RESULTS Malaria prevalence by PfHRP2-RDT showed 9.4% (94/1000) and 0.2% (2/1000) in Diourbel (DBL) and Kaolack (KL), respectively. In Tambacounda (TAM) patients who had malaria symptoms and had a negative PfHRP2-RDT were enrolled. The PET-PCR had a positivity rate of 23.5% (295/1255) overall. The PET-PCR positivity rate was 37.6%, 12.3%, and 22.8% in Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, respectively. Successful sequencing of 121/295 positive samples detected P. falciparum (93%), P. vivax (2.6%), P. malariae (4.4%), and P. ovale wallikeri (0.9%). Plasmodium vivax was co-identified with P. falciparum in thirteen samples. Sequencing also detected two PfHRP2-RDT-negative mono-infections of P. vivax in Tambacounda and Kaolack. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrate the circulation of P. vivax in western and eastern Senegal, highlighting the need for improved malaria control strategies and accurate diagnostic tools to better understand the prevalence of non-falciparum species countrywide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida S Badiane
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Darkar, Sénégal.
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal.
| | - Bassirou Ngom
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Tolla Ndiaye
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Deirdre Cunningham
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - James Campbell
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platforms (STP), The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Amy Gaye
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Aita Sène
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Mouhamad Sy
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Daouda Ndiaye
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Odontology, Université Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar, Darkar, Sénégal
- Centre International de Recherche et de Formation en Génomique Appliquée et de Surveillance Sanitaire (CIGASS), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Davis Nwakanma
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London, School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, P.O Box 273, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Jean Langhorne
- Malaria Immunology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
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Spiliopoulou I, Pervanidou D, Tegos N, Tseroni M, Baka A, Vakali A, Kefaloudi CN, Papavasilopoulos V, Mpimpa A, Patsoula E. Genetic Structure of Introduced Plasmodium vivax Malaria Isolates in Greece, 2015-2019. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:102. [PMID: 38787035 PMCID: PMC11126073 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9050102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Greece has been malaria-free since 1974, after an intense malaria control program. However, as Greece hosts migrant populations from P. vivax malaria-endemic countries, there is a risk of introducing the disease to specific vulnerable and receptive areas of the country. Knowledge of the genetic diversity of P. vivax populations is essential for understanding the dynamics of malaria disease transmission in a given region. We used nine highly polymorphic markers to genotype 124 P. vivax-infected archived DNA samples from human blood specimens referred to the NMRL from all over Greece throughout 2015-2019. The genotypic variability of the samples studied was noted, as they comprised several unique haplotypes, indicative of the importation of a large number of different P. vivax strains in the country. However, only a few events of local transmission were recorded. Genotyping revealed and confirmed the same clusters as those identified through epidemiological investigation. In only one introduction event was the index case found. No sustained/ongoing malaria transmissions in/between the studied regions or during consecutive years or additional foci of local transmission were observed. Genotyping is an important component in assisting malaria surveillance, as it provides information concerning the patterns of introduction and the effectiveness of implemented malaria control and elimination measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Spiliopoulou
- European Programme for Public Health Microbiology (EUPHEM), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 16973 Stockholm, Sweden;
- National Public Health Organization (NPHO), 15123 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); or (M.T.); (A.B.); (A.V.); (C.-N.K.)
| | - Danai Pervanidou
- National Public Health Organization (NPHO), 15123 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); or (M.T.); (A.B.); (A.V.); (C.-N.K.)
| | - Nikolaos Tegos
- National Malaria Reference Center, Laboratory for the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece; (N.T.); (V.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Maria Tseroni
- National Public Health Organization (NPHO), 15123 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); or (M.T.); (A.B.); (A.V.); (C.-N.K.)
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 123 Papadiamantopoulou Str., Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Agoritsa Baka
- National Public Health Organization (NPHO), 15123 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); or (M.T.); (A.B.); (A.V.); (C.-N.K.)
| | - Annita Vakali
- National Public Health Organization (NPHO), 15123 Athens, Greece; (D.P.); or (M.T.); (A.B.); (A.V.); (C.-N.K.)
| | | | - Vasilios Papavasilopoulos
- National Malaria Reference Center, Laboratory for the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece; (N.T.); (V.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Anastasia Mpimpa
- National Malaria Reference Center, Laboratory for the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece; (N.T.); (V.P.); (A.M.)
| | - Eleni Patsoula
- National Malaria Reference Center, Laboratory for the Surveillance of Infectious Diseases, Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece; (N.T.); (V.P.); (A.M.)
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Gupta H, Sharma S, Gilyazova I, Satyamoorthy K. Molecular tools are crucial for malaria elimination. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:555. [PMID: 38642192 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The eradication of Plasmodium parasites, responsible for malaria, is a daunting global public health task. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses symptomatic, asymptomatic, and submicroscopic cases. Overcoming this challenge relies on harnessing the power of molecular diagnostic tools, as traditional methods like microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests fall short in detecting low parasitaemia, contributing to the persistence of malaria transmission. By precisely identifying patients of all types and effectively characterizing malaria parasites, molecular tools may emerge as indispensable allies in the pursuit of malaria elimination. Furthermore, molecular tools can also provide valuable insights into parasite diversity, drug resistance patterns, and transmission dynamics, aiding in the implementation of targeted interventions and surveillance strategies. In this review, we explore the significance of molecular tools in the pursuit of malaria elimination, shedding light on their key contributions and potential impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Sonal Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Irina Gilyazova
- Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics, Ufa, 450054, Russia
- Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, 450008, Russia
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) University, Manjushree Nagar, Sattur, Dharwad, 580009, Karnataka, India
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Kritsiriwuthinan K, Ngrenngarmlert W, Patrapuvich R, Phuagthong S, Choosang K. Distinct Allelic Diversity of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 3-Alpha ( PvMSP-3α) Gene in Thailand Using PCR-RFLP. J Trop Med 2023; 2023:8855171. [PMID: 37599666 PMCID: PMC10438972 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8855171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the importance of merozoite surface proteins (MSPs) as vaccine candidates, this study was conducted to investigate the polymorphism and genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 3-alpha (PvMSP-3α) in Thailand. To analyze genetic diversity, 118 blood samples containing P. vivax were collected from four malaria-endemic areas in western and southern Thailand. The DNA was extracted and amplified for the PvMSP-3α gene using nested PCR. The PCR products were genotyped by PCR-RFLP with Hha I and Alu I restriction enzymes. The combination patterns of Hha I and Alu I RFLP were used to identify allelic variants. Genetic evaluation and phylogenic analysis were performed on 13 sequences, including 10 sequences from our study and 3 sequences from GenBank. The results revealed three major types of PvMSP-3α, 91.5% allelic type A (∼1.8 kb), 5.1% allelic type B (∼1.5 kb), and 3.4% allelic type C (∼1.2 kb), were detected based on PCR product size with different frequencies. Among all PvMSP-3α, 19 allelic subtypes with Hha I RFLP patterns were distinguished and 6 allelic subtypes with Alu I RFLP patterns were identified. Of these samples, 73 (61%) and 42 (35.6%) samples were defined as monoallelic subtype infection by Hha I and Alu I PCR-RFLP, respectively, whereas 77 (65.3%) samples were determined to be mixed-allelic subtype infection by the combination patterns of Hha I and Alu I RFLP. These results strongly indicate that PvMSP-3α gene is highly polymorphic, particularly in blood samples collected from the Thai-Myanmar border area (the western part of Thailand). The combination patterns of Hha I and Alu I RFLP of the PvMSP-3α gene could be considered for use as molecular epidemiologic markers for genotyping P. vivax isolates in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Warunee Ngrenngarmlert
- Department of Community Medical Technology, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Rapatbhorn Patrapuvich
- Drug Research Unit for Malaria (DRUM), Center of Excellence in Malaria Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Kantima Choosang
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Rangsit University, Pathumthani 12000, Thailand
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Fola AA, Moser KA, Aydemir O, Hennelly C, Kobayashi T, Shields T, Hamapumbu H, Musonda M, Katowa B, Matoba J, Stevenson JC, Norris DE, Thuma PE, Wesolowski A, Moss WJ, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ. Temporal and spatial analysis of Plasmodium falciparum genomics reveals patterns of parasite connectivity in a low-transmission district in Southern Province, Zambia. Malar J 2023; 22:208. [PMID: 37420265 PMCID: PMC10327325 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04637-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding temporal and spatial dynamics of malaria transmission will help to inform effective interventions and strategies in regions approaching elimination. Parasite genomics are increasingly used to monitor epidemiologic trends, including assessing residual transmission across seasons and importation of malaria into these regions. METHODS In a low and seasonal transmission setting of southern Zambia, a total of 441 Plasmodium falciparum samples collected from 8 neighbouring health centres between 2012 and 2018 were genotyped using molecular inversion probes (MIPs n = 1793) targeting a total of 1832 neutral and geographically informative SNPs distributed across the parasite genome. After filtering for quality and missingness, 302 samples and 1410 SNPs were retained and used for downstream population genomic analyses. RESULTS The analyses revealed most (67%, n = 202) infections harboured one clone (monogenomic) with some variation at local level suggesting low, but heterogenous malaria transmission. Relatedness identity-by-descent (IBD) analysis revealed variable distribution of IBD segments across the genome and 6% of pairs were highly-related (IBD ≥ 0.25). Some of the highly-related parasite populations persisted across multiple seasons, suggesting that persistence of malaria in this low-transmission region is fueled by parasites "seeding" across the dry season. For recent years, clusters of clonal parasites were identified that were dissimilar to the general parasite population, suggesting parasite populations were increasingly fragmented at small spatial scales due to intensified control efforts. Clustering analysis using PCA and t-SNE showed a lack of substantial parasite population structure. CONCLUSION Leveraging both genomic and epidemiological data provided comprehensive picture of fluctuations in parasite populations in this pre-elimination setting of southern Zambia over 7 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe A. Fola
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, Providence, RI 02906 USA
| | - Kara A. Moser
- University of North Carolina Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Ozkan Aydemir
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, Providence, RI 02906 USA
| | - Chris Hennelly
- University of North Carolina Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Tamaki Kobayashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Timothy Shields
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | | | | | - Ben Katowa
- Macha Research Trust, Choma District, Choma, Zambia
| | | | | | - Douglas E. Norris
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | | | - Amy Wesolowski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - William J. Moss
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, Providence, RI 02906 USA
| | - Jonathan J. Juliano
- University of North Carolina Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - the Southern, Central Africa International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, Providence, RI 02906 USA
- University of North Carolina Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
- Macha Research Trust, Choma District, Choma, Zambia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, The Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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Measurably recombining malaria parasites. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:17-25. [PMID: 36435688 PMCID: PMC9893849 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Genomic epidemiology has guided research and policy for various viral pathogens and there has been a parallel effort towards using genomic epidemiology to combat diseases that are caused by eukaryotic pathogens, such as the malaria parasite. However, the central concept of viral genomic epidemiology, namely that of measurably mutating pathogens, does not apply easily to sexually recombining parasites. Here we introduce the related but different concept of measurably recombining malaria parasites to promote convergence around a unifying theoretical framework for malaria genomic epidemiology. Akin to viral phylodynamics, we anticipate that an inferential framework developed around recombination will help guide practical research and thus realize the full public health potential of genomic epidemiology for malaria parasites and other sexually recombining pathogens.
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Brown TS, Arogbokun O, Buckee CO, Chang HH. Distinguishing gene flow between malaria parasite populations. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009335. [PMID: 34928954 PMCID: PMC8726502 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Measuring gene flow between malaria parasite populations in different geographic locations can provide strategic information for malaria control interventions. Multiple important questions pertaining to the design of such studies remain unanswered, limiting efforts to operationalize genomic surveillance tools for routine public health use. This report examines the use of population-level summaries of genetic divergence (FST) and relatedness (identity-by-descent) to distinguish levels of gene flow between malaria populations, focused on field-relevant questions about data size, sampling, and interpretability of observations from genomic surveillance studies. To do this, we use P. falciparum whole genome sequence data and simulated sequence data approximating malaria populations evolving under different current and historical epidemiological conditions. We employ mobile-phone associated mobility data to estimate parasite migration rates over different spatial scales and use this to inform our analysis. This analysis underscores the complementary nature of divergence- and relatedness-based metrics for distinguishing gene flow over different temporal and spatial scales and characterizes the data requirements for using these metrics in different contexts. Our results have implications for the design and implementation of malaria genomic surveillance studies. Malaria is a leading infectious cause of illness and death worldwide. Understanding how malaria parasites are spread between different geographic locations can provide useful information for disease control efforts. Examples include identifying source locations for imported infections in lower-incidence “sink” locations and delineating the routes over which drug-resistant malaria strains disperse across geographic space. Genomic surveillance methods use geolocated genetic sequence data from malaria infections to estimate gene flow and connectivity between parasites populations in different locations. This approach has yielded important insights into patterns of connectivity between malaria populations over local, national, and global scales. However, there are multiple unresolved questions about the design and interpretation of these studies. This study evaluates how much data is needed to distinguish different levels of gene flow between parasite populations (“Are the malaria populations in locations i and j linked by higher or lower connectivity than those in locations k and l?”). We examine data size requirements (including the number of genetic markers and number of individual infections analyzed) for this important, implementation-relevant task across multiple epidemiological scenarios, providing practical guidance for the design and interpretation of similar studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S. Brown
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (TSB); (H-HC)
| | - Olufunmilayo Arogbokun
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Ecology Lab, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Caroline O. Buckee
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hsiao-Han Chang
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (TSB); (H-HC)
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8
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Rougeron V, Boundenga L, Arnathau C, Durand P, Renaud F, Prugnolle F. A population genetic perspective on the origin, spread and adaptation of the human malaria agents Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 46:6373923. [PMID: 34550355 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is considered one of the most important scourges that humanity has faced during its history, being responsible every year for numerous deaths worldwide. The disease is caused by protozoan parasites, among which two species are responsible of the majority of the burden, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. For these two parasite species, the questions of their origin (how and when they appeared in humans), of their spread throughout the world, as well as how they have adapted to humans have long been of interest to the scientific community. Here, we review the current knowledge that has accumulated on these different questions, thanks in particular to the analysis of the genetic and genomic variability of these parasites and comparison with related Plasmodium species infecting other host species (like non-human primates). In this paper we review the existing body of knowledge, including current research dealing with these questions, focusing particularly on genetic analysis and genomic variability of these parasites and comparison with related Plasmodium species infecting other species of host (such as non-human primates).
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Rougeron
- Laboratory MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 900 rue Jean François Breton, 34090 Montpellier, France.,CREES, Centre de Recherches en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé, Montpellier, France
| | - Larson Boundenga
- CIRMF, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Céline Arnathau
- Laboratory MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 900 rue Jean François Breton, 34090 Montpellier, France.,CREES, Centre de Recherches en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Durand
- Laboratory MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 900 rue Jean François Breton, 34090 Montpellier, France.,CREES, Centre de Recherches en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé, Montpellier, France
| | - François Renaud
- Laboratory MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 900 rue Jean François Breton, 34090 Montpellier, France.,CREES, Centre de Recherches en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé, Montpellier, France
| | - Franck Prugnolle
- Laboratory MIVEGEC, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, 900 rue Jean François Breton, 34090 Montpellier, France.,CREES, Centre de Recherches en Écologie et Évolution de la Santé, Montpellier, France
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Kale S, Pande V, Singh OP, Carlton JM, Mallick PK. Genetic diversity in two leading Plasmodium vivax malaria vaccine candidates AMA1 and MSP119 at three sites in India. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009652. [PMID: 34370745 PMCID: PMC8376102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax, a major contributor to the malaria burden in India, has the broadest geographic distribution and shows higher genetic diversity than P. falciparum. Here, we investigated the genetic diversity of two leading P. vivax vaccine candidate antigens, at three geographically diverse malaria-endemic regions in India. Pvama1 and Pvmsp119 partial coding sequences were generated from one hundred P. vivax isolates in India (Chennai n = 28, Nadiad n = 50 and Rourkela n = 22) and ~1100 published sequences from Asia, South America, North America, and Oceania regions included. These data were used to assess the genetic diversity and potential for vaccine candidacy of both antigens on a global scale. A total of 44 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) were identified among 100 Indian Pvama1 sequences, including 10 synonymous and 34 nonsynonymous mutations. Nucleotide diversity was higher in Rourkela and Nadiad as compared to Chennai. Nucleotide diversity measures showed a strong balancing selection in Indian and global population for domain I of Pvama1, which suggests that it is a dominant target of the protective immune response. In contrast, the Pvmsp119 region showed highly conserved sequences in India and across the Oceania, South America, North America and Asia, demonstrating low genetic diversity in the global population when compared to Pvama1. Results suggest the possibility of including Pvmsp119 in a multivalent vaccine formulation against P. vivax infections. However, the high genetic diversity seen in Pvama1 would be more challenging for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Kale
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Veena Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, India
| | - Om P Singh
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Jane M Carlton
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, New York city, New York, United States of America.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York city, New York, United States of America
| | - Prashant K Mallick
- Parasite-Host Biology Group, National Institute of Malaria Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
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10
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Argyropoulos DC, Ruybal‐Pesántez S, Deed SL, Oduro AR, Dadzie SK, Appawu MA, Asoala V, Pascual M, Koram KA, Day KP, Tiedje KE. The impact of indoor residual spraying on Plasmodium falciparum microsatellite variation in an area of high seasonal malaria transmission in Ghana, West Africa. Mol Ecol 2021; 30:3974-3992. [PMID: 34143538 PMCID: PMC8456823 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the first population genetic study to examine the impact of indoor residual spraying (IRS) on Plasmodium falciparum in humans. This study was conducted in an area of high seasonal malaria transmission in Bongo District, Ghana. IRS was implemented during the dry season (November-May) in three consecutive years between 2013 and 2015 to reduce transmission and attempt to bottleneck the parasite population in humans towards lower diversity with greater linkage disequilibrium. The study was done against a background of widespread use of long-lasting insecticidal nets, typical for contemporary malaria control in West Africa. Microsatellite genotyping with 10 loci was used to construct 392 P. falciparum multilocus infection haplotypes collected from two age-stratified cross-sectional surveys at the end of the wet seasons pre- and post-IRS. Three-rounds of IRS, under operational conditions, led to a >90% reduction in transmission intensity and a 35.7% reduction in the P. falciparum prevalence (p < .001). Despite these declines, population genetic analysis of the infection haplotypes revealed no dramatic changes with only a slight, but significant increase in genetic diversity (He : pre-IRS = 0.79 vs. post-IRS = 0.81, p = .048). Reduced relatedness of the parasite population (p < .001) was observed post-IRS, probably due to decreased opportunities for outcrossing. Spatiotemporal genetic differentiation between the pre- and post-IRS surveys (D = 0.0329 [95% CI: 0.0209 - 0.0473], p = .034) was identified. These data provide a genetic explanation for the resilience of P. falciparum to short-term IRS programmes in high-transmission settings in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionne C. Argyropoulos
- School of BioSciencesBio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyBio21 Institute and Peter Doherty InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Shazia Ruybal‐Pesántez
- School of BioSciencesBio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Present address:
Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical ResearchMelbourneVic.Australia
- Present address:
Department of Medical Biology and Bio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Present address:
Burnet InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Samantha L. Deed
- School of BioSciencesBio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyBio21 Institute and Peter Doherty InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Abraham R. Oduro
- Navrongo Health Research CentreGhana Health ServiceNavrongoGhana
| | - Samuel K. Dadzie
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of GhanaLegonGhana
| | - Maxwell A. Appawu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of GhanaLegonGhana
| | - Victor Asoala
- Navrongo Health Research CentreGhana Health ServiceNavrongoGhana
| | - Mercedes Pascual
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionUniversity of ChicagoChicagoUSA
| | - Kwadwo A. Koram
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical ResearchUniversity of GhanaLegonGhana
| | - Karen P. Day
- School of BioSciencesBio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyBio21 Institute and Peter Doherty InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Kathryn E. Tiedje
- School of BioSciencesBio21 InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyBio21 Institute and Peter Doherty InstituteThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
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11
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Ralinoro F, Rakotomanga TA, Rakotosaona R, Doll Rakoto DA, Menard D, Jeannoda V, Ratsimbasoa A. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum populations in three malaria transmission settings in Madagascar. Malar J 2021; 20:239. [PMID: 34044837 PMCID: PMC8161981 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum parasites from various malaria transmission settings could help to define tailored local strategies for malaria control and elimination. Such assessments are currently scarce in Madagascar. The study presented here aimed to bridge this gap by investigating the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations in three epidemiological strata (Equatorial, Tropical and Fringes) in Madagascar. METHODS Two-hundred and sixty-six P. falciparum isolates were obtained from patients with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in clinical drug efficacy studies conducted at health centres in Tsaratanana (Equatorial stratum), Antanimbary (Tropical stratum) and Anjoma Ramartina (Fringes) in 2013 and 2016. Parasite DNA was extracted from blood samples collected before anti-malarial treatment. Plasmodium species were identified by nested PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene. The genetic profiles of P. falciparum parasites were defined by allele-specific nested PCR on the polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 genes. RESULTS Fifty-eight alleles were detected in the P. falciparum samples tested: 18 alleles for msp-1 and 40 for msp-2. K1 (62.9%, 139/221) and FC27 (69.5%, 114/164) were the principal msp-1 and msp-2 allele families detected, although the proportions of the msp-1 and msp-2 alleles varied significantly between sites. Polyclonal infections were more frequent at sites in the Equatorial stratum (69.8%) than at sites in the Tropical stratum (60.5%) or Fringes (58.1%). Population genetics analyses showed that genetic diversity was similar between sites and that parasite flow within sites was limited. CONCLUSIONS This study provides recent information about the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations in three transmission strata in Madagascar, and valuable baseline data for further evaluation of the impact of the control measures implemented in Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanomezantsoa Ralinoro
- National Malaria Control Programme of Madagascar, Androhibe, Antananarivo, Madagascar. .,Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar.
| | - Tovonahary Angelo Rakotomanga
- National Malaria Control Programme of Madagascar, Androhibe, Antananarivo, Madagascar.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | | | - Didier Menard
- Malaria Genetics and Resistance Unit and INSERM U1201, Institut Pasteur Paris, Paris, France
| | - Victor Jeannoda
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Arsene Ratsimbasoa
- National Malaria Control Programme of Madagascar, Androhibe, Antananarivo, Madagascar. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Fianarantsoa, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar.
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12
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Amoah LE, Abukari Z, Dawson-Amoah ME, Dieng CC, Lo E, Afrane YA. Population structure and diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in children with asymptomatic malaria living in different ecological zones of Ghana. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:439. [PMID: 33985447 PMCID: PMC8120845 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum populations can be used to describe the resilience and spatial distribution of the parasite in the midst of intensified intervention efforts. This study used microsatellite analysis to evaluate the genetic diversity and population dynamics of P. falciparum parasites circulating in three ecological zones of Ghana. METHODS A total of 1168 afebrile children aged between 3 to 13 years were recruited from five (5) Primary schools in 3 different ecological zones (Sahel (Tamale and Kumbungu), Forest (Konongo) and Coastal (Ada and Dodowa)) of Ghana. Asymptomatic malaria parasite carriage was determined using microscopy and PCR, whilst fragment analysis of 6 microsatellite loci was used to determine the diversity and population structure of P. falciparum parasites. RESULTS Out of the 1168 samples examined, 16.1 and 39.5% tested positive for P. falciparum by microscopy and nested PCR respectively. The genetic diversity of parasites in the 3 ecological zones was generally high, with an average heterozygosity (He) of 0.804, 0.787 and 0.608 the rainy (peak) season for the Sahel, Forest and Coastal zones respectively. The mean He for the dry (off-peak) season were 0.562, 0.693 and 0.610 for the Sahel, Forest and Coastal zones respectively. Parasites from the Forest zone were more closely related to those from the Sahel than from the Coastal zone, despite the Coastal zone being closer in physical distance to the Forest zone. The fixation indexes among study sites ranged from 0.049 to 0.112 during the rainy season and 0.112 to 0.348 during the dry season. CONCLUSION A large asymptomatic parasite reservoir was found in the school children during both rainy and dry seasons, especially those in the Forest and Sahel savannah zones where parasites were also found to be related compared to those from the Coastal zone. Further studies are recommended to understand why despite the roll out of several malaria interventions in Ghana, high transmission still persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Eva Amoah
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- West Africa Center for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Zakaria Abukari
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Maame Esi Dawson-Amoah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Cheikh Cambel Dieng
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223 USA
| | - Eugenia Lo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC 28223 USA
| | - Yaw Asare Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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13
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Auburn S, Cheng Q, Marfurt J, Price RN. The changing epidemiology of Plasmodium vivax: Insights from conventional and novel surveillance tools. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003560. [PMID: 33891580 PMCID: PMC8064506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarah Auburn and co-authors discuss the unique biology and epidemiology of P. vivax and current evidence on conventional and new approaches to surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Auburn
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Qin Cheng
- Department of Drug Resistance and Diagnostics, Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- The Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jutta Marfurt
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - Ric N. Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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14
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Grillet ME, Moreno JE, Hernández-Villena JV, Vincenti-González MF, Noya O, Tami A, Paniz-Mondolfi A, Llewellyn M, Lowe R, Escalante AA, Conn JE. Malaria in Southern Venezuela: The hottest hotspot in Latin America. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0008211. [PMID: 33493212 PMCID: PMC7861532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria elimination in Latin America is becoming an elusive goal. Malaria cases reached a historical ~1 million in 2017 and 2018, with Venezuela contributing 53% and 51% of those cases, respectively. Historically, malaria incidence in southern Venezuela has accounted for most of the country's total number of cases. The efficient deployment of disease prevention measures and prediction of disease spread to new regions requires an in-depth understanding of spatial heterogeneity on malaria transmission dynamics. Herein, we characterized the spatial epidemiology of malaria in southern Venezuela from 2007 through 2017 and described the extent to which malaria distribution has changed country-wide over the recent years. We found that disease transmission was focal and more prevalent in the southeast region of southern Venezuela where two persistent hotspots of Plasmodium vivax (76%) and P. falciparum (18%) accounted for ~60% of the total number of cases. Such hotspots are linked to deforestation as a consequence of illegal gold mining activities. Incidence has increased nearly tenfold over the last decade, showing an explosive epidemic growth due to a significant lack of disease control programs. Our findings highlight the importance of spatially oriented interventions to contain the ongoing malaria epidemic in Venezuela. This work also provides baseline epidemiological data to assess cross-border malaria dynamics and advocates for innovative control efforts in the Latin American region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Grillet
- Laboratorio de Biología de Vectores y Parásitos, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Caracas, Venezuela
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Jorge E. Moreno
- Centro de Investigaciones de Campo “Dr. Francesco Vitanza,” Servicio Autónomo Instituto de Altos Estudios “Dr. Arnoldo Gabaldón,” MPPS. Tumeremo, Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Juan V. Hernández-Villena
- Laboratorio de Biología de Vectores y Parásitos, Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Maria F. Vincenti-González
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen. Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar Noya
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela. Caracas, Venezuela
- Centro para Estudios Sobre Malaria, Instituto de Altos Estudios “Dr. Arnoldo Gabaldón”, MPPS. Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Adriana Tami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen. Groningen, The Netherlands
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Carabobo. Valencia, Venezuela
| | - Alberto Paniz-Mondolfi
- Incubadora Venezolana de la Ciencia-IDB. Barquisimeto, Venezuela
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. New York, United States of America
| | - Martin Llewellyn
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow. Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Lowe
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. London, United Kingdom
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health-ISGlobal. Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ananías A. Escalante
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University. Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Jan E. Conn
- Griffin Laboratory, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health. Albany, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany—State University of New York. Albany, New York, United States of America
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15
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Kattenberg JH, Razook Z, Keo R, Koepfli C, Jennison C, Lautu-Gumal D, Fola AA, Ome-Kaius M, Barnadas C, Siba P, Felger I, Kazura J, Mueller I, Robinson LJ, Barry AE. Monitoring Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax using microsatellite markers indicates limited changes in population structure after substantial transmission decline in Papua New Guinea. Mol Ecol 2020; 29:4525-4541. [PMID: 32985031 PMCID: PMC10008436 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the genetic structure of pathogen populations may be an economical and sensitive approach to quantify the impact of control on transmission dynamics, highlighting the need for a better understanding of changes in population genetic parameters as transmission declines. Here we describe the first population genetic analysis of two major human malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) and Plasmodium vivax (Pv), following nationwide distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Parasite isolates from pre- (2005-2006) and post-LLIN (2010-2014) were genotyped using microsatellite markers. Despite parasite prevalence declining substantially (East Sepik Province: Pf = 54.9%-8.5%, Pv = 35.7%-5.6%, Madang Province: Pf = 38.0%-9.0%, Pv: 31.8%-19.7%), genetically diverse and intermixing parasite populations remained. Pf diversity declined modestly post-LLIN relative to pre-LLIN (East Sepik: Rs = 7.1-6.4, HE = 0.77-0.71; Madang: Rs = 8.2-6.1, HE = 0.79-0.71). Unexpectedly, population structure present in pre-LLIN populations was lost post-LLIN, suggesting that more frequent human movement between provinces may have contributed to higher gene flow. Pv prevalence initially declined but increased again in one province, yet diversity remained high throughout the study period (East Sepik: Rs = 11.4-9.3, HE = 0.83-0.80; Madang: Rs = 12.2-14.5, HE = 0.85-0.88). Although genetic differentiation values increased between provinces over time, no significant population structure was observed at any time point. For both species, a decline in multiple infections and increasing clonal transmission and significant multilocus linkage disequilibrium post-LLIN were positive indicators of impact on the parasite population using microsatellite markers. These parameters may be useful adjuncts to traditional epidemiological tools in the early stages of transmission reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Helena Kattenberg
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea
| | - Zahra Razook
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Raksmei Keo
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cristian Koepfli
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Charlie Jennison
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dulcie Lautu-Gumal
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Abebe A Fola
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maria Ome-Kaius
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Céline Barnadas
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Ingrid Felger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - James Kazura
- Centre for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Leanne J Robinson
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Vector Borne Diseases Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Yagaum, Papua New Guinea.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alyssa E Barry
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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16
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Spatial and genetic clustering of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in a low-transmission area of Ethiopia. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19975. [PMID: 33203956 PMCID: PMC7672087 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution of malaria infections is heterogeneous in space and time, especially in low transmission settings. Understanding this clustering may allow identification and targeting of pockets of transmission. In Adama district, Ethiopia, Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria patients and controls were examined, together with household members and immediate neighbors. Rapid diagnostic test and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used for the detection of infections that were genetically characterized by a panel of microsatellite loci for P. falciparum (26) and P. vivax (11), respectively. Individuals living in households of clinical P. falciparum patients were more likely to have qPCR detected P. falciparum infections (22.0%, 9/41) compared to individuals in control households (8.7%, 37/426; odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–6.4; P = .007). Genetically related P. falciparum, but not P. vivax infections showed strong clustering within households. Genotyping revealed a marked temporal cluster of P. falciparum infections, almost exclusively comprised of clinical cases. These findings uncover previously unappreciated transmission dynamics and support a rational approach to reactive case detection strategies for P. falciparum in Ethiopia.
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17
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Ndiaye T, Sy M, Gaye A, Siddle KJ, Park DJ, Bei AK, Deme AB, Mbaye A, Dieye B, Ndiaye YD, Ndiaye IM, Diallo MA, Diongue K, Volkman SK, Badiane AS, Ndiaye D. Molecular epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum by multiplexed amplicon deep sequencing in Senegal. Malar J 2020; 19:403. [PMID: 33172455 PMCID: PMC7654156 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03471-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular epidemiology can provide important information regarding the genetic diversity and transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, which can assist in designing and monitoring elimination efforts. However, malaria molecular epidemiology including understanding the genetic diversity of the parasite and performing molecular surveillance of transmission has been poorly documented in Senegal. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) offers a practical, fast and high-throughput approach to understand malaria population genetics. This study aims to unravel the population structure of P. falciparum and to estimate the allelic diversity, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and evolutionary patterns of the malaria parasite using the NGS platform. METHODS Multiplex amplicon deep sequencing of merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP1) and merozoite surface protein 2 (PfMSP2) in fifty-three P. falciparum isolates from two epidemiologically different areas in the South and North of Senegal, was carried out. RESULTS A total of 76 Pfmsp1 and 116 Pfmsp2 clones were identified and 135 different alleles were found, 56 and 79 belonged to the pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes, respectively. K1 and IC3D7 allelic families were most predominant in both sites. The local haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (π) were higher in the South than in the North for both genes. For pfmsp1, a high positive Tajima's D (TD) value was observed in the South (D = 2.0453) while negative TD value was recorded in the North (D = - 1.46045) and F-Statistic (Fst) was 0.19505. For pfmsp2, non-directional selection was found with a highly positive TD test in both areas and Fst was 0.02111. The mean MOI for both genes was 3.07 and 1.76 for the South and the North, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between areas (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION This study revealed a high genetic diversity of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 genes and low genetic differentiation in P. falciparum population in Senegal. The MOI means were significantly different between the Southern and Northern areas. Findings also showed that multiplexed amplicon deep sequencing is a useful technique to investigate genetic diversity and molecular epidemiology of P. falciparum infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolla Ndiaye
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal.
| | - Mouhamad Sy
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amy Gaye
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Daniel J Park
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Amy K Bei
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Awa B Deme
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Aminata Mbaye
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Baba Dieye
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Yaye Die Ndiaye
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ibrahima Mbaye Ndiaye
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mamadou Alpha Diallo
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Khadim Diongue
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Sarah K Volkman
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Aida Sadikh Badiane
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Daouda Ndiaye
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec, Dakar, Senegal
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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18
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Abamecha A, El-Abid H, Yilma D, Addisu W, Ibenthal A, Bayih AG, Noedl H, Yewhalaw D, Moumni M, Abdissa A. Genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection in patients with uncomplicated malaria in Chewaka district, Ethiopia. Malar J 2020; 19:203. [PMID: 32513191 PMCID: PMC7281928 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genetic diversity in Plasmodium falciparum poses a major threat to malaria control and elimination interventions. Characterization of the genetic diversity of P. falciparum strains can be used to assess intensity of parasite transmission and identify potential deficiencies in malaria control programmes, which provides vital information to evaluating malaria elimination efforts. This study investigated the P. falciparum genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of infection in parasite isolates from cases with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A total of 80 P. falciparum microscopy and qPCR positive blood samples were collected from study participants aged 6 months to 60 years, who visited the health facilities during study evaluating the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine from September–December, 2017. Polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 were genotyped by nested polymerase chain reactions (nPCR) followed by gel electrophoresis for fragment analysis. Results Of 80 qPCR-positive samples analysed for polymorphisms on msp-1 and msp-2 genes, the efficiency of msp-1 and msp-2 gene amplification reactions with family-specific primers were 95% and 98.8%, respectively. Allelic variation of 90% (72/80) for msp-1 and 86.2% (69/80) for msp-2 were observed. K1 was the predominant msp-1 allelic family detected in 20.8% (15/72) of the samples followed by MAD20 and RO33. Within msp-2, allelic family FC27 showed a higher frequency (26.1%) compared to IC/3D7 (15.9%). Ten different alleles were observed in msp-1 with 6 alleles for K1, 3 alleles for MAD20 and 1 allele for RO33. In msp-2, 19 individual alleles were detected with 10 alleles for FC27 and 9 alleles for 3D7. Eighty percent (80%) of isolates had multiple genotypes and the overall mean multiplicity of infection was 3.2 (95% CI 2.87–3.46). The heterozygosity indices were 0.43 and 0.85 for msp-1 and msp-2, respectively. There was no significant association between multiplicity of infection and age or parasite density. Conclusions The study revealed high levels of genetic diversity and mixed-strain infections of P. falciparum populations in Chewaka district, Ethiopia, suggesting that both endemicity level and malaria transmission remain high and that strengthened control efforts are needed in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhakim Abamecha
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia. .,Department of Biomedical, College of Public Health and Medical Science, Mettu University, Mettu, Ethiopia. .,Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Hassan El-Abid
- Laboratory of Cellular Genomics and Molecular Techniques for Investigation, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknès, Morocco
| | - Daniel Yilma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Wondimagegn Addisu
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Achim Ibenthal
- Faculty of Science and Art, HAWK University, Gottingen, Germany
| | | | - Harald Noedl
- Malaria Research Initiative Bandarban (MARIB), Vienna, Austria
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.,Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mohieddine Moumni
- Laboratory of Cellular Genomics and Molecular Techniques for Investigation, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, Meknès, Morocco
| | - Alemseged Abdissa
- School of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.,Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Pacheco MA, Forero-Peña DA, Schneider KA, Chavero M, Gamardo A, Figuera L, Kadakia ER, Grillet ME, Oliveira-Ferreira J, Escalante AA. Malaria in Venezuela: changes in the complexity of infection reflects the increment in transmission intensity. Malar J 2020; 19:176. [PMID: 32380999 PMCID: PMC7206825 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03247-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria incidence has reached staggering numbers in Venezuela. Commonly, Bolívar State accounted for approximately 70% of the country cases every year. Most cases cluster in the Sifontes municipality, a region characterized by an extractive economy, including gold mining. An increase in migration to Sifontes, driven by gold mining, fueled a malaria spillover to the rest of the country and the region. Here samples collected in 2018 were compared with a previous study of 2003/2004 to describe changes in the parasites population structures and the frequency of point mutations linked to anti-malarial drugs. Methods A total of 88 Plasmodium falciparum and 94 Plasmodium vivax isolates were collected in 2018 and compared with samples from 2003/2004 (106 P. falciparum and 104 P. vivax). For P. falciparum, mutations linked to drug resistance (Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, and Pfcrt) and the Pfk13 gene associated with artemisinin delayed parasite clearance, were analysed. To estimate the multiplicity of infection (MOI), and perform P. falciparum and P. vivax population genetic analyses, the parasites were genotyped by using eight standardized microsatellite loci. Results The P. falciparum parasites are still harbouring drug-resistant mutations in Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, and Pfcrt. However, there was a decrease in the frequency of highly resistant Pfdhps alleles. Mutations associated with artemisinin delayed parasite clearance in the Pfk13 gene were not found. Consistent with the increase in transmission, polyclonal infections raised from 1.9% in 2003/2004 to 39% in 2018 in P. falciparum and from 16.3 to 68% in P. vivax. There is also a decrease in linkage disequilibrium. Bayesian clustering yields two populations linked to the time of sampling, showing that the parasite populations temporarily changed. However, the samples from 2003/2004 and 2018 have several alleles per locus in common without sharing multi-locus genotypes. Conclusions The frequency of mutations linked with drug resistance in P. falciparum shows only changes in Pfdhps. Observations presented here are consistent with an increase in transmission from the previously circulating parasites. Following populations longitudinally, using molecular surveillance, provides valuable information in cases such as Venezuela with a fluid malaria situation that is affecting the regional goals toward elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David A Forero-Peña
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Oriente, Núcleo Bolívar, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Departamento de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez", Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | | | - Melynar Chavero
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Oriente, Núcleo Bolívar, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Departamento de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez", Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Angel Gamardo
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Luisamy Figuera
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez", Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Esha R Kadakia
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - María E Grillet
- Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Ananias A Escalante
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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20
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Knudson A, González-Casabianca F, Feged-Rivadeneira A, Pedreros MF, Aponte S, Olaya A, Castillo CF, Mancilla E, Piamba-Dorado A, Sanchez-Pedraza R, Salazar-Terreros MJ, Lucchi N, Udhayakumar V, Jacob C, Pance A, Carrasquilla M, Apráez G, Angel JA, Rayner JC, Corredor V. Spatio-temporal dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum transmission within a spatial unit on the Colombian Pacific Coast. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3756. [PMID: 32111872 PMCID: PMC7048816 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As malaria control programmes concentrate their efforts towards malaria elimination a better understanding of malaria transmission patterns at fine spatial resolution units becomes necessary. Defining spatial units that consider transmission heterogeneity, human movement and migration will help to set up achievable malaria elimination milestones and guide the creation of efficient operational administrative control units. Using a combination of genetic and epidemiological data we defined a malaria transmission unit as the area contributing 95% of malaria cases diagnosed at the catchment facility located in the town of Guapi in the South Pacific Coast of Colombia. We provide data showing that P. falciparum malaria transmission is heterogeneous in time and space and analysed, using topological data analysis, the spatial connectivity, at the micro epidemiological level, between parasite populations circulating within the unit. To illustrate the necessity to evaluate the efficacy of malaria control measures within the transmission unit in order to increase the efficiency of the malaria control effort, we provide information on the size of the asymptomatic reservoir, the nature of parasite genotypes associated with drug resistance as well as the frequency of the Pfhrp2/3 deletion associated with false negatives when using Rapid Diagnostic Tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Knudson
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Felipe González-Casabianca
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.,Gestión y desarrollo urbanos, Facultad de Ciencia Política, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Maria Fernanda Pedreros
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Samanda Aponte
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Olaya
- Secretaría Departamental de Salud del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | | | - Elvira Mancilla
- Secretaría Departamental de Salud del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | | | - Ricardo Sanchez-Pedraza
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Myriam Janeth Salazar-Terreros
- Post-doctoral fellow, Centro de Hematologia e Hemoterapia (HEMOCENTRO), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Naomi Lucchi
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, 30030, GA, United States of America
| | - Venkatachalam Udhayakumar
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, 30030, GA, United States of America
| | - Chris Jacob
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Alena Pance
- Malaria Programme, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Manuela Carrasquilla
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Giovanni Apráez
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.,Secretaría Departamental de Salud del Cauca, Popayán, Colombia
| | - Jairo Andrés Angel
- Departamento de Matemáticas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Julian C Rayner
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, United Kingdom.
| | - Vladimir Corredor
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Abstract
Malaria is a vector-borne disease that involves multiple parasite species in a variety of ecological settings. However, the parasite species causing the disease, the prevalence of subclinical infections, the emergence of drug resistance, the scale-up of interventions, and the ecological factors affecting malaria transmission, among others, are aspects that vary across areas where malaria is endemic. Such complexities have propelled the study of parasite genetic diversity patterns in the context of epidemiologic investigations. Importantly, molecular studies indicate that the time and spatial distribution of malaria cases reflect epidemiologic processes that cannot be fully understood without characterizing the evolutionary forces shaping parasite population genetic patterns. Although broad in scope, this review in the Microbiology Spectrum Curated Collection: Advances in Molecular Epidemiology highlights the need for understanding population genetic concepts when interpreting parasite molecular data. First, we discuss malaria complexity in terms of the parasite species involved. Second, we describe how molecular data are changing our understanding of malaria incidence and infectiousness. Third, we compare different approaches to generate parasite genetic information in the context of epidemiologically relevant questions related to malaria control. Finally, we describe a few Plasmodium genomic studies as evidence of how these approaches will provide new insights into the malaria disease dynamics. *This article is part of a curated collection.
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Valenzuela G, Castro LE, Valencia-Zamora J, Vera-Arias CA, Rohrbach P, Sáenz FE. Genotypes and phenotypes of resistance in Ecuadorian Plasmodium falciparum. Malar J 2019; 18:415. [PMID: 31822269 PMCID: PMC6905098 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-3044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria continues to be endemic in the coast and Amazon regions of Ecuador. Clarifying current Plasmodium falciparum resistance in the country will support malaria elimination efforts. In this study, Ecuadorian P. falciparum parasites were analysed to determine their drug resistance genotypes and phenotypes. METHODS Molecular analyses were performed to search for mutations in known resistance markers (Pfcrt, Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfmdr1, k13). Pfmdr1 copy number was determined by qPCR. PFMDR1 transporter activity was characterized in live parasites using live cell imaging in combination with the Fluo-4 transport assay. Chloroquine, quinine, lumefantrine, mefloquine, dihydroartemisinin, and artemether sensitivities were measured by in vitro assays. RESULTS The majority of samples from this study presented the CVMNT genotype for Pfcrt (72-26), NEDF SDFD mutations in Pfmdr1 and wild type genotypes for Pfdhfr, Pfdhps and k13. The Ecuadorian P. falciparum strain ESM-2013 showed in vitro resistance to chloroquine, but sensitivity to quinine, lumefantrine, mefloquine, dihydroartemisinin and artemether. In addition, transport of the fluorochrome Fluo-4 from the cytosol into the digestive vacuole (DV) of the ESM-2013 strain was minimally detected in the DV. All analysed samples revealed one copy of Pfmdr1. CONCLUSION This study indicates that Ecuadorian parasites presented the genotype and phenotype for chloroquine resistance and were found to be sensitive to SP, artemether-lumefantrine, quinine, mefloquine, and dihydroartemisinin. The results suggest that the current malaria treatment employed in the country remains effective. This study clarifies the status of anti-malarial resistance in Ecuador and informs the P. falciparum elimination campaigns in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Valenzuela
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076, Apartado, 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | | | - Claudia A Vera-Arias
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076, Apartado, 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Petra Rohrbach
- Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fabián E Sáenz
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre 1076, Apartado, 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador.
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23
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Strengthening Surveillance Systems for Malaria Elimination by Integrating Molecular and Genomic Data. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4040139. [PMID: 31816974 PMCID: PMC6958499 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4040139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Unprecedented efforts in malaria control over the last 15 years have led to a substantial decrease in both morbidity and mortality in most endemic settings. However, these progresses have stalled over recent years, and resurgence may cause dramatic impact on both morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, elimination efforts are currently going on with the objective of reducing malaria morbidity and mortality by 90% and malaria elimination in at least 35 countries by 2030. Strengthening surveillance systems is of paramount importance to reach those targets, and the integration of molecular and genomic techniques into routine surveillance could substantially improve the quality and robustness of data. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) are increasingly available in malaria endemic countries, whereas others such as sequencing are already available in a few laboratories. However, sequencing, especially next-generation sequencing (NGS), requires sophisticated infrastructure with adequate computing power and highly trained personnel for data analysis that require substantial investment. Different techniques will be required for different applications, and cost-effective planning must ensure the appropriate use of available resources. The development of national and sub-regional reference laboratories could help in minimizing the resources required in terms of equipment and trained staff. Concerted efforts from different stakeholders at national, sub-regional, and global level are needed to develop the required framework to establish and maintain these reference laboratories.
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24
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Ndiaye T, Sy M, Gaye A, Ndiaye D. Genetic polymorphism of Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (msp1) and 2 (msp2) genes and multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection across various endemic areas in Senegal. Afr Health Sci 2019; 19:2446-2456. [PMID: 32127816 PMCID: PMC7040301 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v19i3.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a significant decline in Senegal, malaria remains a burden in various parts of the country. Assessment of multiplicity of Plasmodium falciparum infection and genetic diversity of parasites population could help in monitoring of malaria control. OBJECTIVE To assess genetic diversity and multiplicity of infection in P. falciparum isolates from three areas in Senegal with different malaria transmissions. METHODS 136 blood samples were collected from patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Pikine, Kedougou and Thies. Polymorphic loci of msp1 and 2 (Merozoite surface protein-1 and 2) genes were amplified by nested PCR. RESULTS For msp1gene, K1 allelic family was predominant with frequency of 71%. Concerning msp2 gene, IC3D7 allelic family was the most represented with frequency of 83%. Multiclonal isolates found were 36% and 31% for msp1et msp2 genes respectively. The MOI found in all areas was 2.56 and was statistically different between areas (P=0.024). Low to intermediate genetic diversity were found with heterozygosity range (He=0,394-0,637) and low genetic differentiation (Fst msp1= 0.011; Fst msp2=0.017) were observed between P. falciparum population within the country. CONCLUSION Low to moderate genetic diversity of P.falciparum strains and MOI disparities were found in Senegal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolla Ndiaye
- Laboratory of Parasitology/Mycology HALD, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, PO Box 5005, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Mouhamad Sy
- Laboratory of Parasitology/Mycology HALD, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, PO Box 5005, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amy Gaye
- Laboratory of Parasitology/Mycology HALD, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, PO Box 5005, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Daouda Ndiaye
- Laboratory of Parasitology/Mycology HALD, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, PO Box 5005, Dakar, Senegal
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Vera-Arias CA, Castro LE, Gómez-Obando J, Sáenz FE. Diverse origin of Plasmodium falciparum in northwest Ecuador. Malar J 2019; 18:251. [PMID: 31349843 PMCID: PMC6660669 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ecuador plans to eliminate malaria by 2020, and the country has already seen a decrease in the number of cases from more than 100,000 in 2000 to only 618 in 2015. Around 30% of malaria infections in Ecuador are caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Most malaria population genetics studies performed in Latin America, especially in the Pacific Coast, indicate a high clonality and a clear structure of P. falciparum populations. It was shown that an outbreak of P. falciparum in northwest Ecuador was the result of a clonal expansion of parasites circulating at low levels in the country or re-invading Ecuador from neighbouring territories. However, general characteristics of P. falciparum circulating in the northwest coast of Ecuador have not been determined. The main goal of this study was to genetically characterize the population structure of P. falciparum in coastal Ecuadorian localities bordering with Colombia. METHODS Molecular investigation of 41 samples collected from 2013 to 2016 in San Lorenzo County, northwest Ecuador was performed using seven neutral microsatellite markers. RESULTS The genetic population structure of P. falciparum in northwest Ecuador is clearly defined as three different genetic groups previously reported in Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. CONCLUSIONS The limited number of P. falciparum clonal types that are circulating in northwest Ecuador, are related to ancestral parasite clonal lineages reported in the Pacific Coast. These parasites could be a product of migration from neighbouring regions or residual clonal types circulating in the country in low proportions. Studies of the genetic characterization of P. falciparum in eliminating areas help determine the possible origin of parasites in order to create strategies to prevent the entrance of new lineages and achieve local elimination of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Vera-Arias
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de octubre 1076, Apartado: 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Javier Gómez-Obando
- Ministerio de Salud Pública, Distrito de Salud de San Lorenzo, San Lorenzo, Ecuador
| | - Fabián E Sáenz
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de octubre 1076, Apartado: 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador.
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Pacheco MA, Schneider KA, Céspedes N, Herrera S, Arévalo-Herrera M, Escalante AA. Limited differentiation among Plasmodium vivax populations from the northwest and to the south Pacific Coast of Colombia: A malaria corridor? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007310. [PMID: 30921317 PMCID: PMC6456216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria remains endemic in several countries of South America with low to moderate transmission intensity. Regional human migration through underserved endemic areas may be responsible for significant parasite dispersion making the disease resilient to interventions. Thus, the genetic characterization of malarial parasites is an important tool to assess how endemic areas may connect via the movement of infected individuals. Here, four sites in geographically separated areas reporting 80% of the malaria morbidity in Colombia were studied. The sites are located on an imaginary transect line of 1,500 km from the northwest to the south Pacific Coast of Colombia with a minimal distance of 500 km between populations that display noticeable ethnic, economic, epidemiological, and ecological differences. Methodology/Principal findings A total of 624 Plasmodium vivax samples from the four populations were genotyped by using eight microsatellite loci. Although a strong geographic structure was expected between these populations, only moderate evidence of genetic differentiation was observed using a suite of population genetic analyses. High genetic diversity, shared alleles, and low linkage disequilibrium were also found in these P. vivax populations providing no evidence for a bottleneck or clonal expansions as expected from recent reductions in the transmission that could have been the result of scaling up interventions or environmental changes. These patterns are consistent with a disease that is not only endemic in each site but also imply that there is gene flow among these populations across 1,500 km. Conclusion /Significance The observed patterns in P. vivax are consistent with a “corridor” where connected endemic areas can sustain a high level of genetic diversity locally and can restore parasite-subdivided populations via migration of infected individuals even after local interventions achieved a substantial reduction of clinical cases. The consequences of these findings in terms of control and elimination are discussed. The regional movements of infected individuals that connect suitable transmission areas make malaria resilient to control efforts. Those movements are expected to leave genetic signatures in the parasite populations that can be detected using analytical tools. In this study, the genetic makeups of Plasmodium vivax populations were characterized to assess whether the most endemic areas in Colombia were connected. Samples were collected from passive surveillance studies in four locations across an imaginary transect line of 1,500 km from the northwest to the south Pacific Coast of Colombia (South America). Considering the distance, and contrary to expectations, we found weak levels of genetic differentiation between these parasite populations with no evidence indicating that their genetic diversity has been eroded as expected whenever the prevalence of the disease is successfully reduced, e.g., through control programs or environmental changes. Although the sampling lacks the geographic and temporal detail to describe how the dispersion of parasite lineages occurred, the observed patterns are consistent with a series of infected populations that are connected in space by human movements allowing the parasite to diffuse across this 1,500 km transect. This malaria corridor needs to be characterized to achieve elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Andreína Pacheco
- Department of Biology/Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Nora Céspedes
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center and Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Sócrates Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center and Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Myriam Arévalo-Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center and Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
- Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Ananias A. Escalante
- Department of Biology/Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ventocilla JA, Nuñez J, Tapia LL, Lucas CM, Manock SR, Lescano AG, Edgel KA, Graf PCF. Genetic Variability of Plasmodium vivax in the North Coast of Peru and the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 99:27-32. [PMID: 29761758 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In the Peruvian North Coast (PNC), the number of Plasmodium vivax malaria cases increased steadily from 2007 to 2010 despite a significant decline in the overall number of cases in Peru during the same period. To better understand the transmission dynamics of P. vivax populations in the PNC and the neighboring Ecuadorian Amazon Basin (EAB), we studied the genetic variability and population structure of P. vivax in these areas. One hundred and twenty P. vivax isolates (58 from Piura and 37 from Tumbes in the PNC collected from 2008 to 2010 and 25 from the EAB collected in Pastaza from 2001 to 2004) were assessed by five polymorphic microsatellite markers. Genetic variability was determined by expected heterozygosity (He) and population structure by Bayesian inference cluster analysis. We found very low genetic diversity in the PNC (He = 0-0.32) but high genetic diversity in the EAB (He = 0.43-0.70). Population structure analysis revealed three distinct populations in the three locations. Six of 37 (16%) isolates from Tumbes had an identical haplotype to that found in Piura, suggesting unidirectional flow from Piura to Tumbes. In addition, one haplotype from Tumbes showed similarity to a haplotype found in Pastaza, suggesting that this could be an imported case from EAB. These findings strongly suggest a minimal population flow and different levels of genetic variability between these two areas divided by the Andes Mountains. This work presents molecular markers that could be used to increase our understanding of regional malaria transmission dynamics, which has implications for the development of strategies for P. vivax control.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Nuñez
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | - L Lorena Tapia
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | - Carmen M Lucas
- U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
| | | | - Andrés G Lescano
- Emerge, Emerging Diseases and Climate Change Research Unit, School of Public Health and Administration Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit 6 (NAMRU-6), Lima, Peru
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Increasingly inbred and fragmented populations of Plasmodium vivax associated with the eastward decline in malaria transmission across the Southwest Pacific. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006146. [PMID: 29373596 PMCID: PMC5802943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax is more resistant to malaria control strategies than Plasmodium falciparum, and maintains high genetic diversity even when transmission is low. To investigate whether declining P. vivax transmission leads to increasing population structure that would facilitate elimination, we genotyped samples from across the Southwest Pacific region, which experiences an eastward decline in malaria transmission, as well as samples from two time points at one site (Tetere, Solomon Islands) during intensified malaria control. Analysis of 887 P. vivax microsatellite haplotypes from hyperendemic Papua New Guinea (PNG, n = 443), meso-hyperendemic Solomon Islands (n = 420), and hypoendemic Vanuatu (n = 24) revealed increasing population structure and multilocus linkage disequilibrium yet a modest decline in diversity as transmission decreases over space and time. In Solomon Islands, which has had sustained control efforts for 20 years, and Vanuatu, which has experienced sustained low transmission for many years, significant population structure was observed at different spatial scales. We conclude that control efforts will eventually impact P. vivax population structure and with sustained pressure, populations may eventually fragment into a limited number of clustered foci that could be targeted for elimination. Plasmodium vivax is a major human malaria parasite, common in endemic areas outside sub-Saharan Africa, and more difficult to control than other malaria parasite species. The distinct lifecycle biology of P. vivax is thought to contribute to its more stable and efficient transmission allowing the maintenance of high diversity and potentially, gene flow. Independent studies are therefore needed to understand how P. vivax populations respond to changing transmission levels, in order to inform malaria control and elimination efforts. Here we have determined parasite population genetic structure in three countries of the Southwest Pacific, an island chain with a natural west to east decline in transmission intensity (Papua New Guinea > Solomon Islands > Vanuatu). With declining transmission, P. vivax populations experience only a modest decline in diversity but a significant increase in multilocus linkage disequilibrium and population structure, indicating that parasite populations become more inbred and begin to fragment into clustered foci. Analysis of two time points in one study area (Tetere, Solomon Islands) also show similar changes in association with intensifying malaria control. The results indicate that with long term sustained malaria control P. vivax populations will eventually fracture into population clusters that could be targeted for elimination.
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Nationwide genetic surveillance of Plasmodium vivax in Papua New Guinea reveals heterogeneous transmission dynamics and routes of migration amongst subdivided populations. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 58:83-95. [PMID: 29313805 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Asia Pacific Leaders in Malaria Alliance (APLMA) have committed to eliminate malaria from the region by 2030. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the highest malaria burden in the Asia-Pacific region but with the intensification of control efforts since 2005, transmission has been dramatically reduced and Plasmodium vivax is now the dominant malaria infection in some parts of the country. To gain a better understanding of the transmission dynamics and migration patterns of P. vivax in PNG, here we investigate population structure in eight geographically and ecologically distinct regions of the country. A total of 219 P. vivax isolates (16-30 per population) were successfully haplotyped using 10 microsatellite markers. A wide range of genetic diversity (He=0.37-0.87, Rs=3.60-7.58) and significant multilocus linkage disequilibrium (LD) was observed in six of the eight populations (IAS=0.08-0.15 p-value<0.05) reflecting a spectrum of transmission intensities across the country. Genetic differentiation between regions was evident (Jost's D=0.07-0.72), with increasing divergence of populations with geographic distance. Overall, P. vivax isolates clustered into three major genetic populations subdividing the Mainland lowland and coastal regions, the Islands and the Highlands. P. vivax gene flow follows major human migration routes, and there was higher gene flow amongst Mainland parasite populations than among Island populations. The Central Province (samples collected in villages close to the capital city, Port Moresby), acts as a sink for imported infections from the three major endemic areas. These insights into P. vivax transmission dynamics and population networks will inform targeted strategies to contain malaria infections and to prevent the spread of drug resistance in PNG.
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30
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Congpuong K, Ubalee R. Population Genetics of Plasmodium vivax in Four High Malaria Endemic Areas in Thailand. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:465-472. [PMID: 29103261 PMCID: PMC5678461 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.5.465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 07/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent trends of malaria in Thailand illustrate an increasing proportion of Plasmodium vivax, indicating the importance of P. vivax as a major causative agent of malaria. P. vivax malaria is usually considered a benign disease so the knowledge of this parasite has been limited, especially the genetic diversity and genetic structure of isolates from different endemic areas. The aim of this study was to examine the population genetics and structure of P. vivax isolates from 4 provinces with different malaria endemic settings in Thailand using 6 microsatellite markers. Total 234 blood samples from P. vivax mono-infected patients were collected. Strong genetic diversity was observed across all study sites; the expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.5871 to 0.9033. Genetic variability in this study divided P. vivax population into 3 clusters; first was P. vivax isolates from Mae Hong Son and Kanchanaburi Provinces located on the western part of Thailand; second, Yala isolates from the south; and third, Chanthaburi isolates from the east. P. vivax isolates from patients having parasite clearance time (PCT) longer than 24 hr after the first dose of chloroquine treatment had higher diversity when compared with those having PCT within 24 hr. This study revealed a clear evidence of different population structure of P. vivax from different malaria endemic areas of Thailand. The findings provide beneficial information to malaria control programme as it is a useful tool to track the source of infections and current malaria control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanungnit Congpuong
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
| | - Ratawan Ubalee
- Department of Entomology, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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31
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Ruybal-Pesántez S, Tiedje KE, Rorick MM, Amenga-Etego L, Ghansah A, R. Oduro A, Koram KA, Day KP. Lack of Geospatial Population Structure Yet Significant Linkage Disequilibrium in the Reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum in Bongo District, Ghana. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1180-1189. [PMID: 28722587 PMCID: PMC5637601 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria control in West Africa is impeded by the large reservoir of chronic asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in the human population. This study aimed to assess the extent of diversity in the P. falciparum reservoir in Bongo District (BD), Ghana, at the end of the dry season, the lowest point in malaria transmission over the course of the year. Analysis of the variation in 12 microsatellite loci was completed for 200 P. falciparum isolates collected from a cross-sectional survey of residents of all ages from two catchment areas in BD. Analysis of the multilocus haplotypes showed high levels of genetic diversity (He = 0.74), no population differentiation yet significant linkage disequilibrium (LD) (ISA = 0.0127, P = 0.006) in BD. Multilocus LD was significant between and within catchment areas even though every haplotype in the population was unique and the majority of individuals (84.0%) harbored multiple-clone infections. The linkage structure among multilocus haplotypes was not associated with sampling location. These data provide the first study with deep sampling of the P. falciparum reservoir in an area of seasonal malaria transmission in West Africa. The co-occurrence of high multiplicity of infection (multiple-clone infections) with significant multilocus LD is surprising given the likelihood of high recombination rates in BD. The results suggest that the linkage structure among multilocus haplotypes has not been shaped by geographic separation of parasite populations. Furthermore, the observed LD levels provide a baseline population genetic metric with putatively neutral markers to evaluate the effects of seasonality and malaria control efforts in BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Ruybal-Pesántez
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute/The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Kathryn E. Tiedje
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute/The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Mary M. Rorick
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Anita Ghansah
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | | | - Kwadwo A. Koram
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Karen P. Day
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute/The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, New York University, New York, New York
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Characterizing the malaria rural-to-urban transmission interface: The importance of reactive case detection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005780. [PMID: 28715415 PMCID: PMC5531679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reported urban malaria cases are increasing in Latin America, however, evidence of such trend remains insufficient. Here, we propose an integrated approach that allows characterizing malaria transmission at the rural-to-urban interface by combining epidemiological, entomological, and parasite genotyping methods. Methods/Principal findings A descriptive study that combines active (ACD), passive (PCD), and reactive (RCD) case detection was performed in urban and peri-urban neighborhoods of Quibdó, Colombia. Heads of households were interviewed and epidemiological surveys were conducted to assess malaria prevalence and identify potential risk factors. Sixteen primary cases, eight by ACD and eight by PCD were recruited for RCD. Using the RCD strategy, prevalence of 1% by microscopy (6/604) and 9% by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (52/604) were found. A total of 73 houses and 289 volunteers were screened leading to 41 secondary cases, all of them in peri-urban settings (14% prevalence). Most secondary cases were genetically distinct from primary cases indicating that there were independent occurrences. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (76.3%, 71/93), most of them being asymptomatic (46/71). Urban and peri-urban neighborhoods had significant sociodemographic differences. Twenty-four potential breeding sites were identified, all in peri-urban areas. The predominant vectors for 1,305 adults were Anopheles nuneztovari (56,2%) and An. Darlingi (42,5%). One An. nuneztovari specimen was confirmed naturally infected with P. falciparum by ELISA. Conclusions This study found no evidence supporting the existence of urban malaria transmission in Quibdó. RCD strategy was more efficient for identifying malaria cases than ACD alone in areas where malaria transmission is variable and unstable. Incorporating parasite genotyping allows discovering hidden patterns of malaria transmission that cannot be detected otherwise. We propose to use the term “focal case” for those primary cases that lead to discovery of secondary but genetically unrelated malaria cases indicating undetected malaria transmission. Malaria is a disease of rural areas in developing countries. Although a rise in urban malaria cases has been noted during the last decade, this trend could be an artifact due to lack of solid data. In order to better understand “urban” and “peri-urban” malaria, we developed a rigorous and systematic methodology that allows characterizing malaria risk in such settings. Our approach is based on cross-sectional studies using active and reactive case detection strategies, genotyping of parasite isolates in order to better understand transmission patterns, and the local assessment of the entomological factors that allow active transmission in urban and peri-urban neighborhoods. This approach was tested in Quibdó, Colombia. No evidence of malaria transmission in urban areas was found. However, we found solid evidence indicating transmission in peri-urban areas due to Plasmodium vivax (86%). This was supported by the identification of Anopheles mosquitoes and their breeding places. Our results show that reactive case detection is not only an effective strategy to identify cases in areas where transmission is variable and unstable, but also allows the detection of hidden transmission when combined with genotyping methods. Such patterns are undetected by traditional surveillance methods.
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Molecular Profile of Malaria Drug Resistance Markers of Plasmodium falciparum in Suriname. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 61:AAC.02655-16. [PMID: 28438929 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02655-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In Suriname, an artesunate monotherapy therapeutic efficacy trial was recently conducted to evaluate partial artemisinin resistance emerging in Plasmodium falciparum We genotyped the PfK13 propeller domain of P. falciparum in 40 samples as well as other mutations proposed to be associated with artemisinin-resistant mutants. We did not find any mutations previously associated with artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia, but we found fixed resistance mutations for chloroquine (CQ) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Additionally, the PfCRT C350R mutation, associated with reversal of CQ resistance and piperaquine-selective pressure, was present in 62% of the samples. Our results from neutral microsatellite data also confirmed a high parasite gene flow in the Guiana Shield. Although recruiting participants for therapeutic efficacy studies is challenging in areas where malaria endemicity is very low due to the low number of malaria cases reported, conducting these studies along with molecular surveillance remains essential for the monitoring of artemisinin-resistant alleles and for the characterization of the population structure of P. falciparum in areas targeted for malaria elimination.
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Fola AA, Harrison GLA, Hazairin MH, Barnadas C, Hetzel MW, Iga J, Siba PM, Mueller I, Barry AE. Higher Complexity of Infection and Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium vivax Than Plasmodium falciparum Across All Malaria Transmission Zones of Papua New Guinea. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 96:630-641. [PMID: 28070005 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax have varying transmission dynamics that are informed by molecular epidemiology. This study aimed to determine the complexity of infection and genetic diversity of P. vivax and P. falciparum throughout Papua New Guinea (PNG) to evaluate transmission dynamics across the country. In 2008-2009, a nationwide malaria indicator survey collected 8,936 samples from all 16 endemic provinces of PNG. Of these, 892 positive P. vivax samples were genotyped at PvMS16 and PvmspF3, and 758 positive P. falciparum samples were genotyped at Pfmsp2. The data were analyzed for multiplicity of infection (MOI) and genetic diversity. Overall, P. vivax had higher polyclonality (71%) and mean MOI (2.32) than P. falciparum (20%, 1.39). These measures were significantly associated with prevalence for P. falciparum but not for P. vivax. The genetic diversity of P. vivax (PvMS16: expected heterozygosity = 0.95, 0.85-0.98; PvMsp1F3: 0.78, 0.66-0.89) was higher and less variable than that of P. falciparum (Pfmsp2: 0.89, 0.65-0.97). Significant associations of MOI with allelic richness (rho = 0.69, P = 0.009) and expected heterozygosity (rho = 0.87, P < 0.001) were observed for P. falciparum. Conversely, genetic diversity was not correlated with polyclonality nor mean MOI for P. vivax. The results demonstrate higher complexity of infection and genetic diversity of P. vivax across the country. Although P. falciparum shows a strong association of these parameters with prevalence, a lack of association was observed for P. vivax and is consistent with higher potential for outcrossing of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebe A Fola
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - G L Abby Harrison
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mita Hapsari Hazairin
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Céline Barnadas
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,European Public Health Microbiology (EUPHEM) Training Programme, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden.,Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Manuel W Hetzel
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jonah Iga
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Peter M Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Ivo Mueller
- Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alyssa E Barry
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
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Hamedi Y, Sharifi-Sarasiabi K, Dehghan F, Safari R, To S, Handayuni I, Trimarsanto H, Price RN, Auburn S. Molecular Epidemiology of P. vivax in Iran: High Diversity and Complex Sub-Structure Using Neutral Markers, but No Evidence of Y976F Mutation at pvmdr1. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166124. [PMID: 27829067 PMCID: PMC5102416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains endemic at low levels in the south-eastern provinces of Iran bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the majority of cases attributable to P. vivax. The national guidelines recommend chloroquine (CQ) as blood-stage treatment for uncomplicated P. vivax, but the large influx of imported cases enhances the risk of introducing CQ resistance (CQR). METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The genetic diversity at pvmdr1, a putative modulator of CQR, and across nine putatively neutral short tandem repeat (STR) markers were assessed in P. vivax clinical isolates collected between April 2007 and January 2013 in Hormozgan Province, south-eastern Iran. One hundred blood samples were collected from patients with microscopy-confirmed P. vivax enrolled at one of five district clinics. In total 73 (73%) were autochthonous cases, 23 (23%) imported cases from Afghanistan or Pakistan, and 4 (4%) with unknown origin. 97% (97/100) isolates carried the F1076L mutation, but none carried the Y976F mutation. STR genotyping was successful in 71 (71%) isolates, including 57(57%) autochthonous and 11 (11%) imported cases. Analysis of population structure revealed 2 major sub-populations, K1 and K2, with further sub-structure within K2. The K1 sub-population had markedly lower diversity than K2 (HE = 0.06 vs HE = 0.82) suggesting that the sub-populations were sustained by distinct reservoirs with differing transmission dynamics, possibly reflecting local versus imported/introduced populations. No notable separation was observed between the local and imported cases although the sample size was limited. CONCLUSIONS The contrasting low versus high diversity in the two sub-populations (K1 and K2) infers that a combination of local transmission and cross-border malaria from higher transmission regions shape the genetic make-up of the P. vivax population in south-eastern Iran. There was no molecular evidence of CQR amongst the local or imported cases, but ongoing clinical surveillance is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaghoob Hamedi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran
| | - Khojasteh Sharifi-Sarasiabi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Dehghan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran
| | - Reza Safari
- Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran
| | - Sheren To
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Irene Handayuni
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Hidayat Trimarsanto
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
- The Ministry of Research and Technology (RISTEK), Jakarta, Indonesia
- Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ric N. Price
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Auburn
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research and Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Tibayrenc M, Ayala FJ. Is Predominant Clonal Evolution a Common Evolutionary Adaptation to Parasitism in Pathogenic Parasitic Protozoa, Fungi, Bacteria, and Viruses? ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2016; 97:243-325. [PMID: 28325372 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We propose that predominant clonal evolution (PCE) in microbial pathogens be defined as restrained recombination on an evolutionary scale, with genetic exchange scarce enough to not break the prevalent pattern of clonal population structure. The main features of PCE are (1) strong linkage disequilibrium, (2) the widespread occurrence of stable genetic clusters blurred by occasional bouts of genetic exchange ('near-clades'), (3) the existence of a "clonality threshold", beyond which recombination is efficiently countered by PCE, and near-clades irreversibly diverge. We hypothesize that the PCE features are not mainly due to natural selection but also chiefly originate from in-built genetic properties of pathogens. We show that the PCE model obtains even in microbes that have been considered as 'highly recombining', such as Neisseria meningitidis, and that some clonality features are observed even in Plasmodium, which has been long described as panmictic. Lastly, we provide evidence that PCE features are also observed in viruses, taking into account their extremely fast genetic turnover. The PCE model provides a convenient population genetic framework for any kind of micropathogen. It makes it possible to describe convenient units of analysis (clones and near-clades) for all applied studies. Due to PCE features, these units of analysis are stable in space and time, and clearly delimited. The PCE model opens up the possibility of revisiting the problem of species definition in these organisms. We hypothesize that PCE constitutes a major evolutionary strategy for protozoa, fungi, bacteria, and viruses to adapt to parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tibayrenc
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - F J Ayala
- University of California at Irvine, United States
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Prospective Study of Plasmodium vivax Malaria Recurrence after Radical Treatment with a Chloroquine-Primaquine Standard Regimen in Turbo, Colombia. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:4610-9. [PMID: 27185794 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00186-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax recurrences help maintain malaria transmission. They are caused by recrudescence, reinfection, or relapse, which are not easily differentiated. A longitudinal observational study took place in Turbo municipality, Colombia. Participants with uncomplicated P. vivax infection received supervised treatment concomitantly with 25 mg/kg chloroquine and 0.25 mg/kg/day primaquine for 14 days. Incidence of recurrence was assessed over 180 days. Samples were genotyped, and origins of recurrences were established. A total of 134 participants were enrolled between February 2012 and July 2013, and 87 were followed for 180 days, during which 29 recurrences were detected. The cumulative incidence of first recurrence was 24.1% (21/87) (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.6 to 33.7%), and 86% (18/21) of these events occurred between days 51 and 110. High genetic diversity of P. vivax strains was found, and 12.5% (16/128) of the infections were polyclonal. Among detected recurrences, 93.1% (27/29) of strains were genotyped as genetically identical to the strain from the previous infection episode, and 65.5% (19/29) of infections were classified as relapses. Our results indicate that there is a high incidence of P. vivax malaria recurrence after treatment in Turbo municipality, Colombia, and that a large majority of these episodes are likely relapses from the previous infection. We attribute this to the primaquine regimen currently used in Colombia, which may be insufficient to eliminate hypnozoites.
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Nabet C, Doumbo S, Jeddi F, Konaté S, Manciulli T, Fofana B, L'Ollivier C, Camara A, Moore S, Ranque S, Théra MA, Doumbo OK, Piarroux R. Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum in human malaria cases in Mali. Malar J 2016; 15:353. [PMID: 27401016 PMCID: PMC4940954 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1397-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Mali, Plasmodium falciparum malaria is highly endemic and remains stable despite the implementation of various malaria control measures. Understanding P. falciparum population structure variations across the country could provide new insights to guide malaria control programmes. In this study, P. falciparum genetic diversity and population structure in regions of varying patterns of malaria transmission in Mali were analysed. Methods A total of 648 blood isolates adsorbed onto filter papers during population surveillance surveys (December 2012–March 2013, October 2013) in four distinct sites of Mali were screened for the presence of P. falciparum via quantitative PCR (qPCR). Multiple loci variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) using eight microsatellite markers was then performed on positive qPCR samples. Complete genotypes were then analysed for genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and linkage disequilibrium. Results Of 156 qPCR-positive samples, complete genotyping of 112 samples was achieved. The parasite populations displayed high genetic diversity (mean He = 0.77), which was consistent with a high level of malaria transmission in Mali. Genetic differentiation was low (FST < 0.02), even between sites located approximately 900 km apart, thereby illustrating marked gene flux amongst parasite populations. The lack of linkage disequilibrium further revealed an absence of local clonal expansion, which was corroborated by the genotype relationship results. In contrast to the stable genetic diversity level observed throughout the country, mean multiplicity of infection increased from north to south (from 1.4 to 2.06) and paralleled malaria transmission levels observed locally. Conclusions In Mali, the high level of genetic diversity and the pronounced gene flux amongst P. falciparum populations may represent an obstacle to control malaria. Indeed, results suggest that parasite populations are polymorphic enough to adapt to their host and to counteract interventions, such as anti-malarial vaccination. Additionally, the panmictic parasite population structure imply that resistance traits may disseminate freely from one area to another, making control measures performed at a local level ineffective. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1397-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Nabet
- UMR MD3 IP-TPT, Parasitology Laboratory, Timone Hospital, Aix-Marseilles University, Marseilles, France.
| | - Safiatou Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Department, UMI 3189, University of Sciences, Technique and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Fakhri Jeddi
- UMR MD3 IP-TPT, Parasitology Laboratory, Timone Hospital, Aix-Marseilles University, Marseilles, France
| | - Salimata Konaté
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Department, UMI 3189, University of Sciences, Technique and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Tommaso Manciulli
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Hepatology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bakary Fofana
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Department, UMI 3189, University of Sciences, Technique and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Coralie L'Ollivier
- UMR MD3 IP-TPT, Parasitology Laboratory, Timone Hospital, Aix-Marseilles University, Marseilles, France
| | - Aminata Camara
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Department, UMI 3189, University of Sciences, Technique and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Sandra Moore
- UMR MD3 IP-TPT, Parasitology Laboratory, Timone Hospital, Aix-Marseilles University, Marseilles, France
| | - Stéphane Ranque
- UMR MD3 IP-TPT, Parasitology Laboratory, Timone Hospital, Aix-Marseilles University, Marseilles, France
| | - Mahamadou A Théra
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Department, UMI 3189, University of Sciences, Technique and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Ogobara K Doumbo
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Department, UMI 3189, University of Sciences, Technique and Technology, Bamako, Mali
| | - Renaud Piarroux
- UMR MD3 IP-TPT, Parasitology Laboratory, Timone Hospital, Aix-Marseilles University, Marseilles, France
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Mohd Abd Razak MR, Sastu UR, Norahmad NA, Abdul-Karim A, Muhammad A, Muniandy PK, Jelip J, Rundi C, Imwong M, Mudin RN, Abdullah NR. Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium falciparum Populations in Malaria Declining Areas of Sabah, East Malaysia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152415. [PMID: 27023787 PMCID: PMC4811561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaysia has a national goal to eliminate malaria by 2020. Understanding the genetic diversity of malaria parasites in residual transmission foci can provide invaluable information which may inform the intervention strategies used to reach elimination targets. This study was conducted to determine the genetic diversity level of P. falciparum isolates in malaria residual foci areas of Sabah. Malaria active case detection was conducted in Kalabakan and Kota Marudu. All individuals in the study sites were screened for malaria infection by rapid diagnostic test. Blood from P. falciparum-infected individuals were collected on filter paper prior to DNA extraction. Genotyping was performed using merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1), merozoite surface protein-2 (MSP-2), glutamate rich protein (GLURP) and 10 neutral microsatellite loci markers. The size of alleles, multiplicity of infection (MOI), mean number of alleles (Na), expected heterozygosity (He), linkage disequilibrium (LD) and genetic differentiation (FST) were determined. In Kalabakan, the MSP-1 and MSP-2 alleles were predominantly K1 and FC27 family types, respectively. The GLURP genotype VI (751-800 bp) was predominant. The MOI for MSP-1 and MSP-2 were 1.65 and 1.20, respectively. The Na per microsatellite locus was 1.70. The He values for MSP-1, MSP-2, GLURP and neutral microsatellites were 0.17, 0.37, 0.70 and 0.33, respectively. In Kota Marudu, the MSP-1 and MSP-2 alleles were predominantly MAD20 and 3D7 family types, respectively. The GLURP genotype IV (651-700 bp) was predominant. The MOI for both MSP-1 and MSP-2 was 1.05. The Na per microsatellite locus was 3.60. The He values for MSP-1, MSP-2, GLURP and neutral microsatellites were 0.24, 0.25, 0.69 and 0.30, respectively. A significant LD was observed in Kalabakan (0.495, p<0.01) and Kota Marudu P. falciparum populations (0.601, p<0.01). High genetic differentiation between Kalabakan and Kota Marudu P. falciparum populations was observed (FST = 0.532). The genetic data from the present study highlighted the limited diversity and contrasting genetic pattern of P. falciparum populations in the malaria declining areas of Sabah.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Umi Rubiah Sastu
- Herbal Medicine Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azrina Norahmad
- Herbal Medicine Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abass Abdul-Karim
- Zonal Public Health Laboratory, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana, West Africa
| | - Amirrudin Muhammad
- Herbal Medicine Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Prem Kumar Muniandy
- Herbal Medicine Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jenarun Jelip
- Sabah State Health Department, Rumah Persekutuan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Christina Rundi
- Sabah State Health Department, Rumah Persekutuan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Mallika Imwong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rose Nani Mudin
- Vector Borne Disease Sector, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Federal Government Administrative Centre, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Noor Rain Abdullah
- Herbal Medicine Research Center, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Friedrich LR, Popovici J, Kim S, Dysoley L, Zimmerman PA, Menard D, Serre D. Complexity of Infection and Genetic Diversity in Cambodian Plasmodium vivax. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004526. [PMID: 27018585 PMCID: PMC4809505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasmodium vivax is the most widely distributed human malaria parasite with 2.9 billion people living in endemic areas. Despite intensive malaria control efforts, the proportion of cases attributed to P. vivax is increasing in many countries. Genetic analyses of the parasite population and its dynamics could provide an assessment of the efficacy of control efforts, but, unfortunately, these studies are limited in P. vivax by the lack of informative markers and high-throughput genotyping methods. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We developed a sequencing-based assay to simultaneously genotype more than 100 SNPs and applied this approach to ~500 P. vivax-infected individuals recruited across nine locations in Cambodia between 2004 and 2013. Our analyses showed that the vast majority of infections are polyclonal (92%) and that P. vivax displays high genetic diversity in Cambodia without apparent geographic stratification. Interestingly, our analyses also revealed that the proportion of monoclonal infections significantly increased between 2004 and 2013, possibly suggesting that malaria control strategies in Cambodia may be successfully affecting the parasite population. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that this high-throughput genotyping assay is efficient in characterizing P. vivax diversity and can provide valuable insights to assess the efficacy of malaria elimination programs or to monitor the spread of specific parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey R. Friedrich
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jean Popovici
- Unite d’Epidemiologie Moleculaire, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Saorin Kim
- Unite d’Epidemiologie Moleculaire, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Lek Dysoley
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Peter A. Zimmerman
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Didier Menard
- Unite d’Epidemiologie Moleculaire, Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - David Serre
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Population Genetics of Plasmodium vivax in Four Rural Communities in Central Vietnam. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004434. [PMID: 26872387 PMCID: PMC4752448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of malaria in Vietnam has drastically reduced, prompting the National Malaria Control Program to officially engage in elimination efforts. Plasmodium vivax is becoming increasingly prevalent, remaining a major problem in the country's central and southern provinces. A better understanding of P. vivax genetic diversity and structure of local parasite populations will provide baseline data for the evaluation and improvement of current efforts for control and elimination. The aim of this study was to examine the population genetics and structure of P. vivax isolates from four communities in Tra Leng commune, Nam Tra My district in Quang Nam, Central Vietnam. Methodology/Principal Findings P. vivax mono infections collected from 234 individuals between April 2009 and December 2010 were successfully analyzed using a panel of 14 microsatellite markers. Isolates displayed moderate genetic diversity (He = 0.68), with no significant differences between study communities. Polyclonal infections were frequent (71.4%) with a mean multiplicity of infection of 1.91 isolates/person. Low but significant genetic differentiation (FST value from -0.05 to 0.18) was observed between the community across the river and the other communities. Strong linkage disequilibrium ( IAS = 0.113, p < 0.001) was detected across all communities, suggesting gene flow within and among them. Using multiple approaches, 101 haplotypes were grouped into two genetic clusters, while 60.4% of haplotypes were admixed. Conclusions/Significance In this area of Central Vietnam, where malaria transmission has decreased significantly over the past decade, there was moderate genetic diversity and high occurrence of polyclonal infections. Local human populations have frequent social and economic interactions that facilitate gene flow and inbreeding among parasite populations, while decreasing population structure. Findings provide important information on parasites populations circulating in the study area and are relevant to current malaria elimination efforts. In Vietnam, Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) is the second most frequent human malaria parasite and a major obstacle to countrywide malaria elimination. Knowing the local parasite structure is useful for elimination efforts. Therefore, we analyzed, with a panel of 14 microsatellite markers, 234 P. vivax mono infections in blood samples collected from 4 communities in central Vietnam. Genetic diversity in the population was moderate; a high occurrence of polyclonal infections and significant linkage disequilibrium were detected, suggesting inbreeding or recombination between highly related haplotypes. In addition, both genetic differentiation and population structure was low and only detected between communities at each side of the river. Those results suggest gene flow between study communities with the river defining a moderate geographical barrier. Future studies should determine how this genetic variation is maintained in an area of extremely low transmission.
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Lopez-Perez M, Pacheco MA, Buriticá L, Escalante AA, Herrera S, Arévalo-Herrera M. Malaria in pregnancy: a passive surveillance study of pregnant women in low transmission areas of Colombia, Latin America. Malar J 2016; 15:66. [PMID: 26850108 PMCID: PMC4743125 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-016-1125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria causes a significant burden in highly endemic areas where children and pregnant women are more susceptible to severe disease and death, however, in low transmission settings malaria in pregnant women is less frequent. The aim of this study was to provide information of clinical profile, anti-parasite host immune responses and parasite genotyping of pregnant women with malaria in low endemic areas of Colombia. Methods This was a descriptive study conducted through passive surveillance in 1328 individuals from three endemic areas of Córdoba, Nariño and Chocó departments between 2011 and 2013. Trained physicians confirmed the pregnancy status and recorded clinical and epidemiological information. Haematological parameters, as well as hepatic and renal function, anti-malarial antibodies and parasite genotypes were evaluated. Results A total of 582 women presented with malaria infection, 34 of whom were pregnant (5.8 %), and most were infected by Plasmodium falciparum (n = 24). In 44 % (n = 15) of the women, the infection occurred during the first half of pregnancy. Although uncomplicated disease and parasitaemia ≤20,000 parasites/µL were common (n = 31), three women (8.8 %) infected by P. falciparum were classified as severe cases. Mild to moderate anaemia (68 %) and mild thrombocytopaenia (41 %) were the most frequent blood alterations and in four women acute renal failure was observed. Six women presented a second malaria episode during pregnancy mainly caused by P. vivax (n = 5), although no direct evidence of relapse was found by genotyping. Two out of the six women presenting a second malaria episode had severe malaria. A low prevalence of specific anti-parasite antibodies was found. Microsatellites indicated that all P. vivax infections involved multiple lineages whereas all but one P. falciparum infections harboured single genotypes. Conclusions Most malaria infected pregnant women displayed uncomplicated malaria, although a few of them with a second malaria episode presented an increased risk of severe malaria which appeared to be associated with malaria transmission intensity and not with levels of anti-parasite antibodies. The effects of severe malaria in both mother and fetus warrant future studies in low transmission settings. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1125-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Andreína Pacheco
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (igem), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Ananias A Escalante
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (igem), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Myriam Arévalo-Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, Colombia. .,Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.
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Delgado-Ratto C, Gamboa D, Soto-Calle VE, Van den Eede P, Torres E, Sánchez-Martínez L, Contreras-Mancilla J, Rosanas-Urgell A, Rodriguez Ferrucci H, Llanos-Cuentas A, Erhart A, Van geertruyden JP, D’Alessandro U. Population Genetics of Plasmodium vivax in the Peruvian Amazon. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004376. [PMID: 26766548 PMCID: PMC4713096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Characterizing the parasite dynamics and population structure provides useful information to understand the dynamic of transmission and to better target control interventions. Despite considerable efforts for its control, vivax malaria remains a major health problem in Peru. In this study, we have explored the population genetics of Plasmodium vivax isolates from Iquitos, the main city in the Peruvian Amazon, and 25 neighbouring peri-urban as well as rural villages along the Iquitos-Nauta Road. Methodology/ Results From April to December 2008, 292 P. vivax isolates were collected and successfully genotyped using 14 neutral microsatellites. Analysis of the molecular data revealed a similar proportion of monoclonal and polyclonal infections in urban areas, while in rural areas monoclonal infections were predominant (p = 0.002). Multiplicity of infection was higher in urban (MOI = 1.5–2) compared to rural areas (MOI = 1) (p = 0.003). The level of genetic diversity was similar in all areas (He = 0.66–0.76, p = 0.32) though genetic differentiation between areas was substantial (PHIPT = 0.17, p<0.0001). Principal coordinate analysis showed a marked differentiation between parasites from urban and rural areas. Linkage disequilibrium was detected in all the areas ( IAs = 0.08–0.49, for all p<0.0001). Gene flow among the areas was stablished through Bayesian analysis of migration models. Recent bottleneck events were detected in 4 areas and a recent parasite expansion in one of the isolated areas. In total, 87 unique haplotypes grouped in 2 or 3 genetic clusters described a sub-structured parasite population. Conclusion/Significance Our study shows a sub-structured parasite population with clonal propagation, with most of its components recently affected by bottleneck events. Iquitos city is the main source of parasite spreading for all the peripheral study areas. The routes of transmission and gene flow and the reduction of the parasite population described are important from the public health perspective as well for the formulation of future control policies. We present the population genetics of malaria vivax parasites in a large area of the Peruvian Amazon. Our results showed that the parasite population had a predominant clonal propagation, reproducing themselves with identically or closely related parasites; therefore, the same genetic characteristics are maintained in the offspring. The clonal propagation may favour the higher levels of genetic differentiation among the parasites from isolated areas compared to areas where human migration is common. The patterns of gene flow have been established, finding Iquitos city as a reservoir of parasite genetic variability. Moreover, a recent reduction of the parasite population was observed in areas where recent control activities were performed. This research provides a picture of the nature and dynamics of the parasite population which have a significant impact in the malaria epidemiology; therefore, this knowledge is crucial for the development of efficient control policies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Departamento de Ciencias Celulares y Moleculares, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Veronica E. Soto-Calle
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Peter Van den Eede
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eliana Torres
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis Sánchez-Martínez
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Juan Contreras-Mancilla
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Anna Rosanas-Urgell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas
- Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Annette Erhart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Umberto D’Alessandro
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Medical Research Council Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Pacheco MA, Lopez-Perez M, Vallejo AF, Herrera S, Arévalo-Herrera M, Escalante AA. Multiplicity of Infection and Disease Severity in Plasmodium vivax. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004355. [PMID: 26751811 PMCID: PMC4709143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiplicity of infection (MOI) refers to the average number of distinct parasite genotypes concurrently infecting a patient. Although several studies have reported on MOI and the frequency of multiclonal infections in Plasmodium falciparum, there is limited data on Plasmodium vivax. Here, MOI and the frequency of multiclonal infections were studied in areas from South America where P. vivax and P. falciparum can be compared. Methodology/Principal Findings As part of a passive surveillance study, 1,328 positive malaria patients were recruited between 2011 and 2013 in low transmission areas from Colombia. Of those, there were only 38 P. vivax and 24 P. falciparum clinically complicated cases scattered throughout the time of the study. Samples from uncomplicated cases were matched in time and location with the complicated cases in order to compare the circulating genotypes for these two categories. A total of 92 P. vivax and 57 P. falciparum uncomplicated cases were randomly subsampled. All samples were genotyped by using neutral microsatellites. Plasmodium vivax showed more multiclonal infections (47.7%) than P. falciparum (14.8%). Population genetics and haplotype network analyses did not detect differences in the circulating genotypes between complicated and uncomplicated cases in each parasite. However, a Fisher exact test yielded a significant association between having multiclonal P. vivax infections and complicated malaria. No association was found for P. falciparum infections. Conclusion The association between multiclonal infections and disease severity in P. vivax is consistent with previous observations made in rodent malaria. The contrasting pattern between P. vivax and P. falciparum could be explained, at least in part, by the fact that P. vivax infections have lineages that were more distantly related among them than in the case of the P. falciparum multiclonal infections. Future research should address the possible role that acquired immunity and exposure may have on multiclonal infections and their association with disease severity. Previous studies on rodent malarias and mathematical models have postulated a link between multiclonal infections and disease severity. This association has been tested in Plasmodium falciparum mostly in Africa with limited information on P. vivax. Furthermore, there is a paucity of information from areas with low transmission. Here, we used samples available from a passive surveillance carried out in Colombia, South America. We found an association between multiclonal infections and disease severity in P. vivax but not in P. falciparum. Although the number of complicated malaria cases is low, the contrasting pattern between these two species emphasizes their epidemiological differences. We discuss how this pattern could be the result of a higher divergence among the P. vivax lineages co-infecting a patient. We hypothesize that low levels of acquired immunity may play a role in the association between multiclonal infections and disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Andreína Pacheco
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (igem), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mary Lopez-Perez
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center and Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Andrés F. Vallejo
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center and Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Sócrates Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center and Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Myriam Arévalo-Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center and Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
- Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Ananias A. Escalante
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (igem), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Winter DJ, Pacheco MA, Vallejo AF, Schwartz RS, Arevalo-Herrera M, Herrera S, Cartwright RA, Escalante AA. Whole Genome Sequencing of Field Isolates Reveals Extensive Genetic Diversity in Plasmodium vivax from Colombia. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004252. [PMID: 26709695 PMCID: PMC4692395 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax is the most prevalent malarial species in South America and exerts a substantial burden on the populations it affects. The control and eventual elimination of P. vivax are global health priorities. Genomic research contributes to this objective by improving our understanding of the biology of P. vivax and through the development of new genetic markers that can be used to monitor efforts to reduce malaria transmission. Here we analyze whole-genome data from eight field samples from a region in Cordóba, Colombia where malaria is endemic. We find considerable genetic diversity within this population, a result that contrasts with earlier studies suggesting that P. vivax had limited diversity in the Americas. We also identify a selective sweep around a substitution known to confer resistance to sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP). This is the first observation of a selective sweep for SP resistance in this species. These results indicate that P. vivax has been exposed to SP pressure even when the drug is not in use as a first line treatment for patients afflicted by this parasite. We identify multiple non-synonymous substitutions in three other genes known to be involved with drug resistance in Plasmodium species. Finally, we found extensive microsatellite polymorphisms. Using this information we developed 18 polymorphic and easy to score microsatellite loci that can be used in epidemiological investigations in South America. Although P. vivax is not as deadly as the more widely studied P. falciparum, it remains a pressing global health problem. Here we report the results of a whole-genome study of P. vivax from Cordóba, Colombia, in South America. This parasite is the most prevalent in this region. We show that the parasite population is genetically diverse, which is contrary to expectations from earlier studies from the Americas. We also find molecular evidence that resistance to an anti-malarial drug has arisen recently in this region. This selective sweep indicates that the parasite has been exposed to a drug that is not used as first-line treatment for this malaria parasite. In addition to extensive single nucleotide and microsatellite polymorphism, we report 18 new genetic loci that might be helpful for fine-scale studies of this species in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Winter
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJW); (AAE)
| | - M. Andreína Pacheco
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (igem), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | | | - Rachel S. Schwartz
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Myriam Arevalo-Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Cali, Colombia
- Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Reed A. Cartwright
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ananias A. Escalante
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (igem), Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DJW); (AAE)
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Okoth SA, Chenet SM, Arrospide N, Gutierrez S, Cabezas C, Matta JA, Udhayakumar V. Molecular Investigation into a Malaria Outbreak in Cusco, Peru: Plasmodium falciparum BV1 Lineage is Linked to a Second Outbreak in Recent Times. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 94:128-31. [PMID: 26483121 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In November 2013, a Plasmodium falciparum malaria outbreak of 11 cases occurred in Cusco, southern Peru, where falciparum malaria had not been reported since 1946. Although initial microscopic diagnosis reported only Plasmodium vivax infection in each of the specimens, subsequent examination by the national reference laboratory confirmed P. falciparum infection in all samples. Molecular typing of four available isolates revealed identity as the B-variant (BV1) strain that was responsible for a malaria outbreak in Tumbes, northern Peru, between 2010 and 2012. The P. falciparum BV1 strain is multidrug resistant, can escape detection by PfHRP2-based rapid diagnostic tests, and has contributed to two malaria outbreaks in Peru. This investigation highlights the importance of accurate species diagnosis given the potential for P. falciparum to be reintroduced to regions where it may have been absent. Similar molecular epidemiological investigations can track the probable source(s) of outbreak parasite strains for malaria surveillance and control purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Akinyi Okoth
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia; Instituto Nacional de Salud del Peru, Lima, Peru; Laboratorio de Referencia de La Convención, Cusco, Peru
| | - Stella M Chenet
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia; Instituto Nacional de Salud del Peru, Lima, Peru; Laboratorio de Referencia de La Convención, Cusco, Peru
| | - Nancy Arrospide
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia; Instituto Nacional de Salud del Peru, Lima, Peru; Laboratorio de Referencia de La Convención, Cusco, Peru
| | - Sonia Gutierrez
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia; Instituto Nacional de Salud del Peru, Lima, Peru; Laboratorio de Referencia de La Convención, Cusco, Peru
| | - Cesar Cabezas
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia; Instituto Nacional de Salud del Peru, Lima, Peru; Laboratorio de Referencia de La Convención, Cusco, Peru
| | - Jose Antonio Matta
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia; Instituto Nacional de Salud del Peru, Lima, Peru; Laboratorio de Referencia de La Convención, Cusco, Peru
| | - Venkatachalam Udhayakumar
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia; Instituto Nacional de Salud del Peru, Lima, Peru; Laboratorio de Referencia de La Convención, Cusco, Peru
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Chenet SM, Taylor JE, Blair S, Zuluaga L, Escalante AA. Longitudinal analysis of Plasmodium falciparum genetic variation in Turbo, Colombia: implications for malaria control and elimination. Malar J 2015; 14:363. [PMID: 26395166 PMCID: PMC4578328 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0887-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria programmes estimate changes in prevalence to evaluate their efficacy. In this study, parasite genetic data was used to explore how the demography of the parasite population can inform about the processes driving variation in prevalence. In particular, how changes in treatment and population movement have affected malaria prevalence in an area with seasonal malaria. Methods Samples of Plasmodium falciparum collected over 8 years from a population in Turbo, Colombia were genotyped at nine microsatellite loci and three drug-resistance loci. These data were analysed using several population genetic methods to detect changes in parasite genetic diversity and population structure. In addition, a coalescent-based method was used to estimate substitution rates at the microsatellite loci. Results The estimated mean microsatellite substitution rates varied between 5.35 × 10−3 and 3.77 × 10−2 substitutions/locus/month. Cluster analysis identified six distinct parasite clusters, five of which persisted for the full duration of the study. However, the frequencies of the clusters varied significantly between years, consistent with a small effective population size. Conclusions Malaria control programmes can detect re-introductions and changes in transmission using rapidly evolving microsatellite loci. In this population, the steadily decreasing diversity and the relatively constant effective population size suggest that an increase in malaria prevalence from 2004 to 2007 was primarily driven by local rather than imported cases. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0887-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella M Chenet
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Jesse E Taylor
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Silvia Blair
- Malaria Group, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Lina Zuluaga
- Malaria Group, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - Ananias A Escalante
- Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Manrique P, Hoshi M, Fasabi M, Nolasco O, Yori P, Calderón M, Gilman RH, Kosek MN, Vinetz JM, Gamboa D. Assessment of an automated capillary system for Plasmodium vivax microsatellite genotyping. Malar J 2015; 14:326. [PMID: 26293655 PMCID: PMC4546211 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0842-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several platforms have been used to generate the primary data for microsatellite analysis of malaria parasite genotypes. Each has relative advantages but share a limitation of being time- and cost-intensive. A commercially available automated capillary gel cartridge system was assessed in the microsatellite analysis of Plasmodium vivax diversity in the Peruvian Amazon. METHODS The reproducibility and accuracy of a commercially-available automated capillary system, QIAxcel, was assessed using a sequenced PCR product of 227 base pairs. This product was measured 42 times, then 27 P. vivax samples from Peruvian Amazon subjects were analyzed with this instrument using five informative microsatellites. Results from the QIAxcel system were compared with a Sanger-type sequencing machine, the ABI PRISM(®) 3100 Genetic Analyzer. RESULTS Significant differences were seen between the sequenced amplicons and the results from the QIAxcel instrument. Different runs, plates and cartridges yielded significantly different results. Additionally, allele size decreased with each run by 0.045, or 1 bp, every three plates. QIAxcel and ABI PRISM systems differed in giving different values than those obtained by ABI PRISM, and too many (i.e. inaccurate) alleles per locus were also seen with the automated instrument. CONCLUSIONS While P. vivax diversity could generally be estimated using an automated capillary gel cartridge system, the data demonstrate that this system is not sufficiently precise for reliably identifying parasite strains via microsatellite analysis. This conclusion reached after systematic analysis was due both to inadequate precision and poor reproducibility in measuring PCR product size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Manrique
- Malaria Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | - Mari Hoshi
- Malaria Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | | | - Oscar Nolasco
- Malaria Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
| | - Pablo Yori
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Martiza Calderón
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Margaret N Kosek
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Joseph M Vinetz
- Malaria Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. .,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Dionicia Gamboa
- Malaria Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. .,Departamento de Ciencias Celulares y Moleculares, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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Carlton JM, Volkman SK, Uplekar S, Hupalo DN, Alves JMP, Cui L, Donnelly M, Roos DS, Harb OS, Acosta M, Read A, Ribolla PEM, Singh OP, Valecha N, Wassmer SC, Ferreira M, Escalante AA. Population Genetics, Evolutionary Genomics, and Genome-Wide Studies of Malaria: A View Across the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:87-98. [PMID: 26259940 PMCID: PMC4574278 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the three protagonists in malaria-the Plasmodium parasite, the Anopheles mosquito, and the human host-is key to developing methods to control and eventually eliminate the disease. Genomic technologies, including the recent development of next-generation sequencing, enable interrogation of this triangle to an unprecedented level of scrutiny, and promise exciting progress toward real-time epidemiology studies and the study of evolutionary adaptation. We discuss the use of genomics by the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research, a network of field sites and laboratories in malaria-endemic countries that undertake cutting-edge research, training, and technology transfer in malarious countries of the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M. Carlton
- *Address correspondence to Jane M. Carlton, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, 12 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10003. E-mail:
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Escalante AA, Ferreira MU, Vinetz JM, Volkman SK, Cui L, Gamboa D, Krogstad DJ, Barry AE, Carlton JM, van Eijk AM, Pradhan K, Mueller I, Greenhouse B, Andreina Pacheco M, Vallejo AF, Herrera S, Felger I. Malaria Molecular Epidemiology: Lessons from the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research Network. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:79-86. [PMID: 26259945 PMCID: PMC4574277 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular epidemiology leverages genetic information to study the risk factors that affect the frequency and distribution of malaria cases. This article describes molecular epidemiologic investigations currently being carried out by the International Centers of Excellence for Malaria Research (ICEMR) network in a variety of malaria-endemic settings. First, we discuss various novel approaches to understand malaria incidence and gametocytemia, focusing on Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Second, we describe and compare different parasite genotyping methods commonly used in malaria epidemiology and population genetics. Finally, we discuss potential applications of molecular epidemiological tools and methods toward malaria control and elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananias A. Escalante
- *Address correspondence to Ananias A. Escalante, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, SERC Building, 1925 N. 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, E-mail: or Marcelo U. Ferreira, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 1374 - Edifício Biomédicas II, São Paulo, Brazil CEP CEP 05508-900, E-mail: or Ingrid Felger, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland, E-mail:
| | - Marcelo U. Ferreira
- *Address correspondence to Ananias A. Escalante, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, SERC Building, 1925 N. 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, E-mail: or Marcelo U. Ferreira, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 1374 - Edifício Biomédicas II, São Paulo, Brazil CEP CEP 05508-900, E-mail: or Ingrid Felger, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland, E-mail:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ingrid Felger
- *Address correspondence to Ananias A. Escalante, Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine, Temple University, SERC Building, 1925 N. 12th Street Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801, E-mail: or Marcelo U. Ferreira, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 1374 - Edifício Biomédicas II, São Paulo, Brazil CEP CEP 05508-900, E-mail: or Ingrid Felger, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4002 Basel, Switzerland, E-mail:
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