Introduction. The status of
msp1,
msp2 and
glurp allele frequency
and the diversity of
Plasmodium falciparum
in Northwestern
Colombia before the implementation of an artemisinin-combined
therapy have been explored only by a few authors and in a relatively
small number of samples from this highly endemic region.
Objective. To evaluate the frequency of
msp1,
msp2, and
glurp
alleles and the diversity of
P. falciparum in two Colombian regions
before the use of an artemisinin-combined therapy.
Methods. This study was part of a major anti-malarial efficacy trial
designed as a random, clinically-controlled study for which 224
subjects were recruited. Region 2 of
msp1 and
msp2 (central region)
were amplified by a nested PCR;
glurp (region R2) was amplified
by a semi-nested PCR.
Results. For
msp1, five genotypes were observed, representing the
K1, MAD20, and RO33 allelic families. All samples corresponded
to 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 the new studies in Colombia aimed
at exploring
Plasmodium spp. population dynamics. In addition,
analysis of
msp1 and
msp2 can also be of value for comparisons
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.
