Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Plasmodium Falciparum in Nigeria: Insights From Microsatellites Loci Analysis
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Plasmodium Falciparum in Nigeria: Insights From Microsatellites Loci Analysis
Fehintola V Ajogbasile,Adeyemi T. Kayode,18 Authors,C. Happi
TLDR
The high level of genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous, which implies that a uniform control strategy will be effective across the six geographical zones of Nigeria.
Abstract
BackgroundMalaria remains a public health burden especially in Nigeria. To develop new malaria control and elimination strategies or refine existing ones, understanding parasite population diversity and transmission patterns is crucial. MethodsIn this study, we characterized parasite diversity and structure of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from 633 dried blood spot samples in Nigeria, using 12 microsatellite loci of P. falciparum. These microsatellites were amplified via semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fragments were analyzed using GeneMapper and GENALEX 6.5.ResultsEstimates of parasite diversity such as Mean complexity of infection (range: 1.71-2.66) and Expected heterozygosity (range: 0.76-0.82) were high, while parasite population sub-structuring was low (Analysis of molecular variance= 0.039, Fixation index= 0.038 and Linkage disequilibrium= 0.0219). Conclusion We conclude that the high level of genetic diversity and low population structuring in this study suggests that parasite populations circulating in Nigeria are homogenous. This implies that a uniform control strategy will be effective across the six geographical zones of Nigeria. The results obtained can be used as a baseline for parasite diversity and structure, aiding in the formulation of appropriate therapeutic and control strategies in Nigeria.