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Malaria Journal
Published in: Malaria Journal 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research

Plasmodium falciparum genotype and gametocyte prevalence in children with uncomplicated malaria in coastal Ghana

Authors: Ruth Ayanful-Torgby, Akua Oppong, Joana Abankwa, Festus Acquah, Kimberly C. Williamson, Linda Eva Amoah

Published in: Malaria Journal | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes are vital to sustaining malaria transmission. Parasite densities, multiplicity of infection as well as asexual genotype are features that have been found to influence gametocyte production. Measurements of the prevalence of Plasmodium sp. gametocytes may serve as a tool to monitor the success of malaria eradication efforts.

Methods

Whole blood was collected from 112 children aged between 6 months and 13 years with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria attending three health facilities in southern Ghana from June to August, 2014 before (day 0) and 4 days after completion of anti-malaria drug treatment (day 7). Malaria parasites were observed by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); submicroscopic gametocyte carriage was measured by a Pfs25 (PF3D7_1031000) mRNA real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Parasite genotyping was performed on gDNA extracted from dried filter paper blood blots by amplification of the polymorphic regions of msp1 (PF3D7_0930300) and msp2 (PF3D7_0206800) using PCR.

Results

Microscopy estimated 3.1% (3/96) of the total population to carry gametocytes on day 0, which decreased to 2.1% (2/96) on day 7. In contrast, reverse transcriptase-real time PCR (RT-PCR) analysis of a subset of 35 samples estimated submicroscopic gametocyte carriage to be as high as 77% (27/35) using primers specific for Pfs25 (CT < 35) on day 0 and by day 7 this only declined to 60% (21/35). Genotyping the msp2 gene identified higher levels of MOI than the msp1 gene.

Conclusions

Although below detection by microscopy, gametocyte prevalence at submicroscopic levels are high in this region and emphasize the need for more effective elimination approaches like the development of transmission-blocking vaccines and safer gametocytocidal drugs.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Plasmodium falciparum genotype and gametocyte prevalence in children with uncomplicated malaria in coastal Ghana
Authors
Ruth Ayanful-Torgby
Akua Oppong
Joana Abankwa
Festus Acquah
Kimberly C. Williamson
Linda Eva Amoah
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Malaria Journal / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1475-2875
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-016-1640-8

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