Genetic Diversity Block 2 of Surface Protein-1 in Plasmodium Falciparum Merozoite by Nested-PCR Method in Southeastern Iran

Background and Objectives: Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein1 (PfMSP1) is a promising vaccine against malaria during its blood stages which play an important role in immunity to this disease. Polymorphic nature of this gene is a major obstacle in making an effective vaccine against malaria. In this study, the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates was investigated in SistanBaluchestan Province using allelic families of the MSP1. Methods: From March/April 2011 to August/September 2012, 94 blood samples were collected from patients with falciparum malaria who were living in four districts of SistanBaluchestan Province. The extracted genomic DNA and genetic diversity of MSP1 block 2 were evaluated by nested polymerase chain reaction. Results: From a total of 94 patients, 89 patients (94.7%) had positive PCR results and the remaining five patients were excluded. Seven different alleles of MSP1 were identified through size difference on agarose gel. Comprising 46.1% of the samples, MAD20 was identified as the predominant MSP1 allelic family, while the RO33 family had the lowest frequency (with 7.9%). In 10% of samples infection with two alleles was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that genetic diversity of PfMSP1 in Southeastern Iran is relatively low and most infections originate from a clone that is consistent with an area of low malaria transmission. This information is useful for the prevention and control of malaria in Iran.