Predominance of K1 Allele in Erythrocytic form of Plasmodium falciparum MSP-1 Gene Signifies Severe Malaria in Jos, Nigeria
Abdulazeez Lawal
Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria and Department of Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria.
Richard J. Kutshik
Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Mary M. Mankilik
Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Bitrus Yakubu
Department of Biotechnology and Drug Development, NVRI, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Ishaya Y. Longdet *
Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The study explored the diversity of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (msp-1) gene sequence and delineated the K1 allele occurrence and profile. The Plasmodium falciparum msp-1 gene encodes an antigen that is being proposed as a major vaccine candidate against the parasite infections.
Study Design: The design of the study was experimental.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken, between October 2018 and June 2019, in the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Methodology: The DNA of Plasmodium falciparum was extracted from 117 blood samples of malaria patients confirmed by microscopy in three different hospitals in Jos. The msp-1 (block 2) allelic family’s genotyping was carried out using PCR and nested PCR techniques. Sequencing and Bioinformatics of the K1 alleles were done to further identify the K1 alleles.
Results: Out of the 117 DNA extracted, 13 samples were positive for Plasmodium falciparum and each was genotyped for msp-1. K1 was the most predominant allele (6/13) compared to MAD20 (4/13) and R033 (2/13). The allelic frequency of K1 was calculated to be 46.15%. The 225 bp Plasmodium falciparum K1 allele of the msp-1 gene studied displayed polymorphism. However, the sequence was very similar to those of Plasmodium falciparum already characterized.
Conclusion: Predominance of K1 allele is an indication that Jos is endemic to severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Keywords: Plasmodium falciparum, merozoite surface protein-1 gene, K1 allele