Osong Public Health Res Perspect.  2011 Dec;2(3):158-163. 10.1016/j.phrp.2011.11.039.

Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Genetic Diversity in the Korean Peninsula Based on the P vivax Merozoite Surface Protein Gene

• Kim JY
• Suh EJ
• Yu HS
• Jung HS
• Park IH
• Choi YK
• Choi KM
• Cho SH
• Lee WJ

• KMID: 2517981
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrp.2011.11.039

Abstract

Objectives
Vivax malaria has reemerged and become endemic in Korea. Our study aimed to analyze by both longitudinal and cross-sectional genetic diversity of this malaria based on the P vivax Merozoite Surface Protein (PvMSP) gene parasites recently found in the Korean peninsula.
Methods
PvMSP-1 gene sequence analysis from P vivax isolates (n = 835) during the 1996-2010 period were longitudinally analyzed and the isolates from the Korean peninsula through South Korea, the demilitarized zone and North Korea collected in 2008-2010 were enrolled in an overall analysis of MSP-1 gene diversity.
Results
New recombinant subtypes and severe multiple-cloneinfection rates were observed in recent vivax parasites. Regional variation was also observed in the study sites.
Conclusion
This study revealed the great complexity of genetic variation and rapid dissemination of genes in P vivax. It also showed interesting patterns of diversity depending, on the region in the Korean Peninsula. Understanding the parasiteninsula. Under genetic variation may help to analyze trends and assess the extent of endemic malaria in Korea.

Keyword

genetic diversity; Korea