Genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

Citation
M. Menegon et al., Genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, MOL BIOCH P, 111(1), 2000, pp. 153-161
Citations number
21
Categorie Soggetti
Microbiology
Journal title
MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL PARASITOLOGY
ISSN journal
01666851 → ACNP
Volume
111
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
153 - 161
Database
ISI
SICI code
0166-6851(200011)111:1<153:GOPFGB>2.0.ZU;2-L
Abstract
A molecular assay has been developed for the specific detection and genetic characterisation of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes in the blood of mala ria infected individuals. The assay is based on the reverse transcription a nd polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of the messenger RNA of gene pfg377, a sexual-stage specific transcript abundantly produced in mat uring gametocytes. The gene contains four regions of repetitive sequences, of which region 3 was shown to be the most polymorphic in laboratory clones and held isolates of the parasite. Analysis of samples of malaria infected blood by RT-PCR specific for region 3 has enabled identification of multip le gametocyte-producing clones within single infections. The assay is able to detect gametocytes below the threshold of microscopic detection, and is highly specific for its gametocyte targets also in the presence of a vast e xcess of asexual forms. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.