Status of allele frequency and diversity of Plasmodium falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp before implementation of artemisinin based combined therapy in Northwest Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. msp1, msp2 and glurp allele frequency and diversity of P. falciparum in Northwest Colombia before introduction of artemisinin combined schemes has been explored by few authors and in relatively small number of samples from this highly endemic region.

Objective. To evaluate the msp1, msp2, and glurp allele frequency and diversity of P. falciparum in two Colombian regions before use of artemisinin combined therapy.

Methods. This study was part of a major antimalarial efficacy trial designed as a random clinical controlled study, in which 224 subjects were recruited.  Region 2 of msp1 and msp2 (central region) were amplified by a nested PCR; glurp (region RII) was amplified by a semi-nested PCR.

Results. For msp1, five genotypes were observed, representing K1, MAD20, and RO33 allelic families. All samples corresponded with a MAD20 150 bp allele. For msp2 (IC family), two alleles were detected and for glurp, eight were observed. A total 33 haplotypes were detected

Conclusions. Analysis of glurp can be used to successfully genotype parasite populations in new studies in Colombia aimed at exploring Plasmodium spp.population dynamics.  In addition, analysis of msp1 and msp2 can also be of value to compare with past studies, but not when the objective is to study parasites obtained from the same patient in a reduced period of time, for instance, during treatment efficacy studies.