The Genotyping of MSP-3α Gene of Plasmodium Vivax in Patients with Malaria by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction Technique

Background: Genotyping study and genetic diversity increase basic information about the parasites that cause malaria disease. These studies may support new treatment for disease, and control program in the future. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the genetic structure and genotypes frequency based on MSP-3a gene of Plasmodium vivax in patients with Malaria reported in Isfahan City, Iran. Methods: Forty samples of patients infected with Plasmodium vivax, who were referred to laboratories of Isfahan health centers, were collected. The samples were tested using specific primers based on MSP-3a gene by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Findings: Based on PCR product size, three genotypes of PvMSP-3a gene as A (about 1900 bp), B (about 1600 bp), and C (about 1200 bp) were observed. The most frequent genotype was genotype A with 72%, and 10% of the patients showed both genotype A and B. Conclusion: The results show that PvMSP-3α genotype can be used as a genetic marker in both endemic and imported malaria areas. This gene also is acceptable as epidemiologic marker for diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax genotyping, and detection of mixed infection having both genotypes.