Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Plasmodium Falciparum in Nigeria: insights from Microsatellite Loci Analysis
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Date
2021-05-26
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BMC: Malaria Journal
Abstract
Malaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refne existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial. Methods: In this study, characterization of the parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria was carried out using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellite loci were amplifed via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analysed using population genetic tools.
Estimates of parasite genetic diversity, such as mean number of diferent alleles (13.52), efective alleles (7.13), allelic richness (11.15) and expected heterozygosity (0.804), were high. Overall linkage disequilibrium was weak The high level of parasite genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. However, higher resolution methods, such as the 24 SNP barcode and whole genome sequencing, may capture more specifc parasite genetic signatures circulating in the country. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite genetic diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.
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Malaria, Genetic diversity, Plasmodium falciparum, Microsatellite, Nigeria