Rapid dissemination of newly introduced Plasmodium vivax genotypes in South Korea

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 Mar;82(3):426-32. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0245.

Abstract

Reemerged Plasmodium vivax malaria in South Korea has not yet been eradicated despite continuous governmental efforts. It has rather become an endemic disease. Our study aimed to determine the genetic diversity in P. vivax merozoite surface protein-1 (PvMSP-1) and circumsporozoite protein (PvCSP) genes over an extended period after its reemergence to its current status. Sequence analysis of PvMSP-1 gene sequences from the 632 P. vivax isolates during 1996-2007 indicates that most isolates recently obtained were different from isolates obtained in the initial reemergence period. There was initially only one subtype (recombinant) present but its subtypes have varied since 2000; six MSP-1 subtypes were recently found. A similar variation was observed by CSP gene analysis; a new CSP subtype was found. Understanding genetic variation patterns of the parasite may help to analyze trends and assess extent of endemic malaria in South Korea.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Malaria, Vivax / epidemiology*
  • Malaria, Vivax / parasitology*
  • Merozoite Surface Protein 1 / chemistry
  • Merozoite Surface Protein 1 / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Plasmodium vivax / genetics*
  • Prevalence
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Merozoite Surface Protein 1
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • circumsporozoite protein, Protozoan