Differences in allelic associations between populations continue to cause difficulties in the mapping and identification of susceptibility genes for complex polygenic diseases. Although well recognized, the basis of such interpopulation differences is poorly understood. We present an example of an inverse allelic association of an immune response genotype to an infectious disease in two neighboring West African populations. In this case, both the key environmental contributor, i.e., the malaria parasite, and a major biological mechanism are well defined. We show that this surprising result fits well with the predictions of a mathematical model describing the population genetics and dynamics of this interaction.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC546931PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/IAI.73.2.953-955.2005DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

malaria parasite
8
west african
8
african populations
8
inverse associations
4
associations human
4
human leukocyte
4
leukocyte antigen
4
antigen malaria
4
parasite types
4
types west
4

Similar Publications

Malaria vaccines consisting of metabolically active Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoites can offer improved protection compared with currently deployed subunit vaccines. In a previous study, we demonstrated the superior protective efficacy of a three-dose regimen of late-arresting genetically attenuated parasites administered by mosquito bite (GA2-MB) compared with early-arresting counterparts (GA1-MB) against a homologous controlled human malaria infection. Encouraged by these results, we explored the potency of a single GA2-MB immunization in a placebo-controlled randomized trial.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Very low prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene deletion in the Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana tri-border.

Sci Rep

January 2025

Molecular Biology and Malaria Immunology Research Group, Instituto René Rachou (IRR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) have been an important diagnostic tool for detecting P. falciparum malaria in resource-limited settings. Most tests are designed to detect the Histidine-rich Protein 2 (HRP2).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The significance of multiplication rate variation in malaria parasites needs to be determined, particularly for Plasmodium falciparum, the species that causes most virulent infections. To investigate this, parasites from cases presenting to hospital in The Gambia and from local community infections were culture-established and then tested under exponential growth conditions in a standardised six-day multiplication rate assay. The multiplication rate distribution was lower than seen previously in clinical isolates from another area in West Africa where infection is more highly endemic.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Factors associated with contracting border malaria: A systematic and meta-analysis.

PLoS One

January 2025

School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Vector resistance, human population movement, and cross-border malaria continue to pose a threat to the attainment of malaria elimination goals. Border malaria is prominent in border regions characterised by poor access to health services, remoteness, and vector abundance. Human socio-economic behaviour, vectoral behaviour, access and use of protective methods, age, sex, and occupation have been identified in non-border regions as key predictors for malaria.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Repellency and toxicity of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs) to bed bugs.

PLoS One

January 2025

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America.

Vector control is essential for eliminating malaria, a vector-borne parasitic disease responsible for over half a million deaths annually. Success of vector control programs hinges on community acceptance of products like long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Communities in malaria-endemic regions often link LLIN efficacy to their ability to control indoor pests such as bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!