Population genetic structure of the Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (Pvcsp) in Sri Lanka.

Molecular methods elucidate evolutionary and ecological processes in parasites, where interaction between hosts and parasites enlighten the evolution of parasite lifestyles and host defenses. Population genetics of Plasmodium vivax parasites accurately describe transmission dynamics of the parasites and evaluation of malaria control measures. As a first generation vaccine candidate against malaria, the Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP) has demonstrated significant potential in P.

Evaluation of the genetic diversity of domain II of Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen 1 (PvAMA-1) and the ensuing strain-specific immune responses in patients from Sri Lanka.

Antigenic polymorphism displayed by malaria parasites is a skewed schema to escape the host immune system. The prevailing genetic diversity at domain II of the Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (Pvama-1DII) was characterized in 64 single clone P. vivax isolates from Sri Lanka, where unstable malaria prevails with low intensity.

Genetic diversity and recombination at the C-terminal fragment of the merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium vivax (PvMSP-1) in Sri Lanka.

Extensive polymorphism in the genes encoding for surface antigens of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax has been a serious impediment for malaria vaccine development. One such antigen is the merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1). The MSP-1 precursor after proteolytic cleavage generates a C-terminal fragment of 42 kDa (MSP-1(42)), which subsequently produces 33 kDa (MSP-1(33)) and 19 kDa (MSP-1(19)) fragments.