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Ryan JR, Stoute JA, Amon J, Dunton RF, Mtalib R, Koros J, Owour B, Luckhart S, Wirtz RA, Barnwell JW, Rosenberg R. Evidence for transmission of Plasmodium vivax among a duffy antigen negative population in Western Kenya. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2006; 75:575-81. [PMID: 17038676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We present evidence that a parasite with characteristics of Plasmodium vivax is being transmitted among Duffy blood group-negative inhabitants of Kenya. Thirty-two of 4,901 Anopheles gambiae and An. funestus (0.65%) collected in Nyanza Province were ELISA positive for the P. vivax circumsporozoite protein VK 247. All positives were found late in the rainy season, when An. funestus predominated, and disproportionately many were found at a single village. A P. vivax specific sequence of the SSU rRNA gene was amplified from three of six ELISA-positive mosquitoes. Erythrocytes from 31 children, including 9 microscopically diagnosed as infected with P. vivax, were negative by flow cytometry for the Fy3 or Fy6 epitopes, which indicate Duffy blood group expression. A DNA fragment specific for the C terminus of the gene for P. vivax merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP-1) was amplified from the blood of four of these children and subsequently sequenced from two.
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102
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Zhou Z, Poe AC, Limor J, Grady KK, Goldman I, McCollum AM, Escalante AA, Barnwell JW, Udhayakumar V. Pyrosequencing, a high-throughput method for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms in the dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthetase genes of Plasmodium falciparum. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:3900-10. [PMID: 16957045 PMCID: PMC1698350 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01209-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A pyrosequencing protocol was developed as a rapid and reliable method to identify the mutations of the dhfr and dhps genes of Plasmodium falciparum that are associated with antifolate resistance. The accuracy and specificity of this method were tested using six laboratory-cultured P. falciparum isolates harboring known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes dhfr (codons 50, 51, 59, 108, and 164) and dhps (codons 436, 437, 540, 581, and 613). The lowest threshold for detection of all the SNPs tested by pyrosequencing was the equivalent of two to four parasite genomes. Also, this method was highly specific for P. falciparum, as it did not amplify any DNA products from the other species of human malaria parasites. We also mixed wild-type and mutant-type parasite DNAs in various proportions to determine how pyrosequencing, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and direct conventional sequencing (for dhfr) compared with each other in detecting different SNPs in the mixture. In general, pyrosequencing and RFLP showed comparable sensitivities in detecting most of the SNPs in dhfr except for the 164L mutation, which required at least twice the amount of DNA for pyroseqencing as for RFLP. For detecting SNPs in dhps, pyrosequencing was slightly more sensitive than RFLP and direct sequencing. Overall, pyrosequencing was faster and less expensive than either RFLP or direct sequencing. Thus, pyrosequencing is a practical alternative method that can be used in a high-throughput format for molecular surveillance of antimalarial-drug resistance.
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Bell D, Wongsrichanalai C, Barnwell JW. Ensuring quality and access for malaria diagnosis: how can it be achieved? Nat Rev Microbiol 2006; 4:S7-20. [PMID: 17003770 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The replacement of conventional antimalarial drugs with high-cost, artemisinin-based alternatives has created a gap in the successful management of malaria. This gap reflects an increased need for accurate disease diagnosis that cannot be met by traditional microscopy techniques. The recent introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has the potential to meet this need, but successful RDT implementation has been curtailed by poor product performance, inadequate methods to determine the quality of products and a lack of emphasis and capacity to deal with these issues. Economics and a desire for improved case management will result in the rapid growth of RDT use in the coming years. However, for their potential to be realized, it is crucial that high-quality RDT products that perform reliably and accurately under field conditions are made available. In achieving this goal, the shift from symptom-based diagnosis to parasite-based management of malaria can bring significant improvements to tropical fever management, rather than represent a further burden on poor, malaria-endemic populations and their overstretched health services.
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Bell D, Wongsrichanalai C, Barnwell JW. Ensuring quality and access for malaria diagnosis: how can it be achieved? Nat Rev Microbiol 2006; 4:682-95. [PMID: 16912713 DOI: 10.1038/nrmicro1474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The replacement of conventional antimalarial drugs with high-cost, artemisinin-based alternatives has created a gap in the successful management of malaria. This gap reflects an increased need for accurate disease diagnosis that cannot be met by traditional microscopy techniques. The recent introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has the potential to meet this need, but successful RDT implementation has been curtailed by poor product performance, inadequate methods to determine the quality of products and a lack of emphasis and capacity to deal with these issues. Economics and a desire for improved case management will result in the rapid growth of RDT use in the coming years. However, for their potential to be realized, it is crucial that high-quality RDT products that perform reliably and accurately under field conditions are made available. In achieving this goal, the shift from symptom-based diagnosis to parasite-based management of malaria can bring significant improvements to tropical fever management, rather than represent a further burden on poor, malaria-endemic populations and their overstretched health services.
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105
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Bell D, Wongsrichanalai C, Barnwell JW. Ensuring quality and access for malaria diagnosis: how can it be achieved? Nat Rev Microbiol 2006; 4:S7-S20. [PMID: 17003770 DOI: 10.1038/nrmico1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The replacement of conventional antimalarial drugs with high-cost, artemisinin-based alternatives has created a gap in the successful management of malaria. This gap reflects an increased need for accurate disease diagnosis that cannot be met by traditional microscopy techniques. The recent introduction of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has the potential to meet this need, but successful RDT implementation has been curtailed by poor product performance, inadequate methods to determine the quality of products and a lack of emphasis and capacity to deal with these issues. Economics and a desire for improved case management will result in the rapid growth of RDT use in the coming years. However, for their potential to be realized, it is crucial that high-quality RDT products that perform reliably and accurately under field conditions are made available. In achieving this goal, the shift from symptom-based diagnosis to parasite-based management of malaria can bring significant improvements to tropical fever management, rather than represent a further burden on poor, malaria-endemic populations and their overstretched health services.
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McCollum AM, Poe AC, Hamel M, Huber C, Zhou Z, Shi YP, Ouma P, Vulule J, Bloland P, Slutsker L, Barnwell JW, Udhayakumar V, Escalante AA. Antifolate resistance in Plasmodium falciparum: multiple origins and identification of novel dhfr alleles. J Infect Dis 2006; 194:189-97. [PMID: 16779725 DOI: 10.1086/504687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Accepted: 02/18/2006] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been widely used as first-line therapy for uncomplicated malaria throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Recent studies conducted in Asia and Africa suggest the triple-mutant dhfr genotype (51I/59R/108N) may have been generated as a single event in Southeast Asia, with subsequent spread of the single lineage to the African continent, but this hypothesis needs further validation. METHODS Direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, pyrosequencing, and cloning of PCR products were utilized to identify mutations in dhfr. To investigate the evolutionary history of dhfr alleles, we assayed microsatellite loci flanking dhfr along chromosome 4. RESULTS A total of 15 of 479 samples from western Kenya showed the presence of I164L, in 5 different genotypes. We document C50R in 2 of our samples. Using microsatellite markers, we show 2 haplotypes for both the 51I/108N/164L and 51I/59R/108N/164L genotypes. Our results also show multiple lineages for the triple-mutant dhfr genotype in Africa. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of local characterization of alleles before molecular surveillance of drug-resistant alleles is considered in different endemic settings and populations.
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Pfahler JM, Galinski MR, Barnwell JW, Lanzer M. Transient transfection of Plasmodium vivax blood stage parasites. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2006; 149:99-101. [PMID: 16716418 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2006.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2005] [Revised: 02/27/2006] [Accepted: 03/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Collins WE, Sullivan JS, Williams A, Nace D, Williams T, Galland GG, Barnwell JW. Aotus nancymaae as a potential model for the testing of anti-sporozoite and liver stage vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2006; 74:422-4. [PMID: 16525100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Santa Lucia strain of Plasmodium falciparum was transmitted to Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, A. azarae boliviensis, A. vociferans, and A. nancymaae monkeys by bite and by intravenous inoculation of sporozoites dissected from Anopheles freeborni, An. stephensi, An. gambiae, An. albimanus, and An. maculatus mosquitoes. The data obtained from these infections indicate that A. nancymaae can be considered a suitable host model when combined with the Santa Lucia strain of P. falciparum for the testing of candidate anti-sporozoite and liver stage vaccines.
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Collins WE, Barnwell JW, Sullivan JS, Nace D, Williams T, Bounngaseng A, Roberts J, Strobert E, McClure H, Saul A, Long CA. Assessment of transmission-blocking activity of candidate Pvs25 vaccine using gametocytes from chimpanzees. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2006; 74:215-21. [PMID: 16474073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Macaca mulatta monkeys were immunized with the candidate transmission-blocking vaccine against Plasmodium vivax, Pvs25, combined with alum or Montanide ISA 720. Efficacy was measured by combining post-immunization sera with gametocytes obtained from infections induced in chimpanzees using membrane-feeding techniques. The results indicate that immunization of M. mulatta monkeys with Pvs25 and Montanide ISA 720 was more effective than with alum in efficacy and resulted in the maintenance of a lasting transmission-blocking immunity to P. vivax. This was evident two weeks after the second immunization, and more strongly demonstrable 62 and 152 days after the second immunization. This transmission-blocking activity was strongly reinforced by a third immunization given 181 days after the primary immunization, as measured three weeks later by indirect membrane feeding. The use of gametocytes of P. vivax derived from infections induced in chimpanzees can contribute to the selection of appropriate constructs, formulations, and immunization regimens for the development of effective transmission-blocking vaccines.
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110
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Collins WE, Galland GG, Barnwell JW, Udhayakumar V, Sullivan JS, Nace D, Tongren JE, Williams T, Roberts J, Shi YP, Lal AA. Preliminary observations on the efficacy of a recombinant multistage Plasmodium falciparum vaccine in Aotus nancymai monkeys. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 73:686-93. [PMID: 16222010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A vaccine trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of a multicomponent candidate vaccine, FALVAC-1, against Plasmodium falciparum in Aotus nancymai monkeys. After two immunizations, animals were challenged intravenously with parasites of the Vietnam Oak Knoll (FVO) strain of P. falciparum. The primary outcome was to determine the protective response of the monkeys to immunization with the FALVAC-1 antigen produced in baculovirus when combined with different adjuvants (alum, QS-21, ASO2a, CRL1005/oil, and CRL1005/saline) as compared with FALVAC-1 with FCA/FIA and antigen alone. When compared with the monkeys immunized with FALVAC-1 alone, FALVAC-1 with FCA/FIA reduced the mean parasite count (to Day 11), reduced the mean accumulated parasitemia (through Day 11), and extended the number of days to treatment. None of the other 5 antigen-adjuvant combinations were able to provide discernable levels of protection based on log(parasitemia) and log(cumulative parasitemia) to Day 11.
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111
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Tran TM, Moreno A, Yazdani SS, Chitnis CE, Barnwell JW, Galinski MR. Detection of a Plasmodium vivax erythrocyte binding protein by flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2005; 63:59-66. [PMID: 15584018 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax preferentially invades reticulocytes. It is therefore relevant for vaccine development purposes to identify and characterize P. vivax proteins that bind specifically to the surface of reticulocytes. We have developed a two-color flow cytometric erythrocyte binding assay (F-EBA) that has several advantages over traditional erythrocyte binding assays (T-EBAs) used in malaria research. We demonstrate the use of F-EBA using the P. vivax Duffy binding protein region II (PvDBP-RII) recombinant protein as a model. This protein binds to all erythrocytes that express the Duffy receptor (Fy) and discriminates binding between normocytes and reticulocytes. METHODS F-EBAs were performed by incubating freshly isolated Aotus nancymai, Macaca mulatta, Saimiri boliviensis, and human erythrocytes with PvDBP-RII, a fluorescent anti-His tag detection antibody, and thiazole orange before flow cytometric analysis. T-EBAs employing immunoblot detection with an anti-His antibody were performed concomitantly. RESULTS PvDBP-RII bound to A. nancymai, M. mulatta, and human Fy+ erythrocytes, but not human Fy- erythrocytes, by F-EBAs and T-EBAs. However, F-EBAs exhibited higher sensitivity and better concordance between experiments compared with T-EBAs. CONCLUSIONS F-EBA is a rapid, simple, and reliable method for quantifying the ability of malaria proteins to bind to the surface of erythrocytes. F-EBA can discriminate binding between erythrocyte subpopulations without enrichment protocols and may be more reliable and sensitive than T-EBAs in identifying novel erythrocyte binding proteins.
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112
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Okenu DMN, Meyer EVS, Puckett TC, Rosas-Acosta G, Barnwell JW, Galinski MR. The reticulocyte binding proteins of Plasmodium cynomolgi: A model system for studies of P. vivax. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2005; 143:116-20. [PMID: 15990180 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2005.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2004] [Revised: 04/21/2005] [Accepted: 04/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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113
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Collins WE, Sullivan JS, Galland GG, Williams A, Nace D, Williams T, Barnwell JW. Plasmodium simium and Saimiri boliviensis as a model system for testing candidate vaccines against Plasmodium vivax. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 73:644-8. [PMID: 16172496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Observations on Plasmodium simium infections in Saimiri boliviensis boliviensis monkeys suggest that this host-parasite combination would be a suitable model for the testing of candidate vaccines against Plasmodium vivax. To evaluate the normal course of infections, parasitemia in 52 splenectomized S. boliviensis boliviensis monkeys infected with P. simium were analyzed. The mean maximum parasite count for 31 monkeys after injection with trophozoite-infected erythrocytes was 77,580/microL. Twenty-one monkeys were infected via sporozoites, and prepatent periods ranged from 14 to 24 days with a median of 15 days. The mean maximum parasite count was 29,234/microL. The mean maximum parasite count for monkeys previously infected with Old World P. vivax was 26,337/microL versus 56,362/microL for those previously infected with New World P. vivax, possibly suggesting a closer antigenic relationship between P. simium and the Old World parasites.
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Martin MJ, Rayner JC, Gagneux P, Barnwell JW, Varki A. Evolution of human-chimpanzee differences in malaria susceptibility: relationship to human genetic loss of N-glycolylneuraminic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:12819-24. [PMID: 16126901 PMCID: PMC1200275 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0503819102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimpanzees are the closest evolutionary cousins of humans, sharing >99% identity in most protein sequences. Plasmodium falciparum is the major worldwide cause of malaria mortality. Plasmodium reichenowi, a morphologically identical and genetically very similar parasite, infects chimpanzees but not humans. Conversely, experimental P. falciparum infection causes brief moderate parasitization and no severe infection in chimpanzees. This surprising host specificity remains unexplained. We modified and enhanced traditional methods for measuring sialic acid (Sia)-dependent recognition of glycophorins by merozoite erythrocyte-binding proteins, eliminating interference caused by endogenous Sias on transfected cells, and by using erythroleukemia cells to allow experimental manipulation of Sia content. We present evidence that these remarkable differences among such closely related host-parasite pairs is caused by species-specific erythrocyte-recognition profiles, apparently related to the human-specific loss of the common primate Sia N-glycolylneuraminic acid. The major merozoite-binding protein erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 of P. falciparum apparently evolved to take selective advantage of the excess of the Sia N-acetylneuraminic acid (the precursor of N-glycolylneuraminic acid) on human erythrocytes. The contrasting preference of P. reichenowi erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 for N-glycolylneuraminic acid is likely the ancestral condition. The surprising ability of P. falciparum to cause disease in New World Aotus monkeys (geographically isolated from P. falciparum until arrival of peoples from the Old World) can be explained by parallel evolution of a human-like Sia expression pattern in these distantly related primates. These results also have implications for the prehistory of hominids and for the genetic origins and recent emergence of P. falciparum as a major human pathogen.
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Tran TM, Oliveira-Ferreira J, Moreno A, Santos F, Yazdani SS, Chitnis CE, Altman JD, Meyer EVS, Barnwell JW, Galinski MR. Comparison of IgG reactivities to Plasmodium vivax merozoite invasion antigens in a Brazilian Amazon population. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 73:244-55. [PMID: 16103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally acquired antibody reactivity to two major Plasmodium vivax vaccine candidates was investigated in 294 donors from three malaria-endemic communities of Rondônia state, Brazil. Antibody recognition of recombinantly expressed antigens covering five different regions of P. vivax reticulocyte binding protein 1 (PvRBP1) and region II of P. vivax Duffy binding protein (PvDBP-RII) were compared. Positive IgG responses to these antigens were significantly related to the level of malaria exposure in terms of past infections and years of residence in the endemic area when corrected for age. The highest prevalence of anti-PvRBP1 total IgG antibodies corresponded to the amino acid regions denoted PvRBP1(431-748) (41%) and PvRBP1(733-1407) (47%). Approximately one-fifth of positively responding sera had titers of at least 1:1,600. Total IgG responses to PvDBP-RII were more prevalent (67%), of greater magnitude, and acquired more rapidly than those to individual PvRBP1 antigens. Responses to both PvRBP1 and PvDBP-RII were biased toward the cytophilic subclasses IgG1 and IgG3. These data provide the first insights on acquired antibody responses to PvRBP1 and a comparative view with PvDBP-RII that may prove valuable for understanding protective immune responses to these two vaccine candidates as they are evaluated as components of multitarget blood-stage vaccines.
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Collins WE, Warren M, Sullivan JS, Galland GG, Nace D, Williams A, Williams T, Barnwell JW. Studies on two strains of Plasmodium cynomolgi in New World and Old World monkeys and mosquitoes. J Parasitol 2005; 91:280-3. [PMID: 15986601 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections that cause the Gombak and Smithsonian strains of Plasmodium cynomolgi were induced in Macaca mulatta, Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, Aotus nancymai, and Saimiri boliviensis monkeys. Transmission of the Gombak strain to Aotus spp. monkeys was obtained by the injection of sporozoites dissected from the salivary glands of experimentally infected Anopheles dirus and by the bites of infected An. dirus and Anopheles farauti mosquitoes. Two S. boliviensis monkeys were infected via the injection of sporozoites dissected from An. dirus. Prepatent periods in New World monkeys ranged from 14 to 44 days, with a median of 18 days. The Smithsonian strain was transmitted via sporozoites to 1 A. lemurinus griseimembra and 9 A. nancymai monkeys. Prepatent periods ranged from 12 to 31 days.
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Collins WE, Sullivan JS, Galland GG, Williams A, Nace D, Williams T, Barnwell JW. Observations on the Vietnam Palo Alto strain of Plasmodium vivax in two species of Aotus monkeys. J Parasitol 2005; 91:461-3. [PMID: 15986626 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3417rn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-three splenectomized Aotus lemurinus griseimembra monkeys with no previous experience with malaria were infected with the Vietnam Palo Alto strain of Plasmodium vivax. The median maximum parasite count was 280,000/microl. Nine splenectomized monkeys with previous infection with Plasmodium falciparum had median maximum parasite counts of 120,000/microl. Splenectomized Aotus nancymai monkeys supported infections at a lower level. Transmission via the bites of Anopheles dirus mosquitoes was obtained in a splenectomized A. lemurinus griseimembra, with a prepatent period of 31 days. It is estimated that between 1.5 x 10(8) and 1.6 x 10(9) parasites can be removed from an infected animal for molecular or diagnostic antigenic studies.
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Rayner JC, Tran TM, Corredor V, Huber CS, Barnwell JW, Galinski MR. Dramatic difference in diversity between Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding-like genes. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2005; 72:666-74. [PMID: 15964948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria parasite proteins involved in erythrocyte invasion are considered important vaccine targets. Members of the reticulocyte binding-like (RBL) family of Plasmodium merozoite proteins are found in human, simian, and rodent malaria parasites and function in the initial steps of erythrocyte selection and invasion. The RBL genes are large, ranging in size from 7.7 to 10 kb, and the extent of any sequence diversity in parasite populations is unknown. We present the first assessment of sequence diversity within RBL genes from the two major human malaria parasites: Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Polymorphism within the RBL genes is generally limited, except for P. vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2 (PvRBP2), which has nucleotide diversity levels 25-fold higher than the other RBL genes. The PvRBP2 haplotypes appear to fall into two distinct classes of alleles, suggesting large-scale dimorphism in this gene. Polymorphisms were frequently clustered, suggesting that different RBL domains may be evolving under different selection and functional pressures.
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Rayner JC, Huber CS, Barnwell JW. Conservation and divergence in erythrocyte invasion ligands: Plasmodium reichenowi EBL genes. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2005; 138:243-7. [PMID: 15555736 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2004.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2004] [Revised: 08/02/2004] [Accepted: 08/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Darko CA, Angov E, Collins WE, Bergmann-Leitner ES, Girouard AS, Hitt SL, McBride JS, Diggs CL, Holder AA, Long CA, Barnwell JW, Lyon JA. The clinical-grade 42-kilodalton fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 of Plasmodium falciparum strain FVO expressed in Escherichia coli protects Aotus nancymai against challenge with homologous erythrocytic-stage parasites. Infect Immun 2005; 73:287-97. [PMID: 15618165 PMCID: PMC538964 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.1.287-297.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A 42-kDa fragment from the C terminus of major merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) is among the leading malaria vaccine candidates that target infection by asexual erythrocytic-stage malaria parasites. The MSP1(42) gene fragment from the Vietnam-Oak Knoll (FVO) strain of Plasmodium falciparum was expressed as a soluble protein in Escherichia coli and purified according to good manufacturing practices. This clinical-grade recombinant protein retained some important elements of correct structure, as it was reactive with several functional, conformation-dependent monoclonal antibodies raised against P. falciparum malaria parasites, it induced antibodies (Abs) that were reactive to parasites in immunofluorescent Ab tests, and it induced strong growth and invasion inhibitory antisera in New Zealand White rabbits. The antigen quality was further evaluated by vaccinating Aotus nancymai monkeys and challenging them with homologous P. falciparum FVO erythrocytic-stage malaria parasites. The trial included two control groups, one vaccinated with the sexual-stage-specific antigen of Plasmodium vivax, Pvs25, as a negative control, and the other vaccinated with baculovirus-expressed MSP1(42) (FVO) as a positive control. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Ab titers induced by E. coli MSP1(42) were significantly higher than those induced by the baculovirus-expressed antigen. None of the six monkeys that were vaccinated with the E. coli MSP1(42) antigen required treatment for uncontrolled parasitemia, but two required treatment for anemia. Protective immunity in these monkeys correlated with the ELISA Ab titer against the p19 fragment and the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain 2 fragment of MSP1(42), but not the MSP1(42) protein itself or the EGF-like domain 1 fragment. Soluble MSP1(42) (FVO) expressed in E. coli offers excellent promise as a component of a vaccine against erythrocytic-stage falciparum malaria.
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Rayner JC, Huber CS, Feldman D, Ingravallo P, Galinski MR, Barnwell JW. Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein PvMSP-3β is radically polymorphic through mutation and large insertions and deletions. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2004; 4:309-19. [PMID: 15374528 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2004.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2003] [Revised: 03/10/2004] [Accepted: 03/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium vivax causes the majority of malaria outside of sub-Saharan Africa and is an important burden for affected countries. The recent spread of drug-resistant P. vivax strains in these countries has led to renewed pressure for the development of a P. vivax vaccine. The complex life cycle of P. vivax presents many potential vaccine targets, but among the most promising candidates are subunits of the surface coat that surrounds the merozoite, the parasite stage that infects erythrocytes and initiates much of the pathology of malaria. Although the genes for several constituents of the P. vivax surface coat have now been cloned and sequenced, little is known about the extent to which these proteins vary between populations, an important consideration in vaccine development. The merozoite surface protein MSP-3beta is a member of a family of related merozoite surface proteins, all of which contain a central alanine-rich domain that is predicted to form a coiled-coil tertiary structure. We have sequenced the PvMSP-3 beta gene from P. vivax isolates originating in Central and South America, Asia and the Pacific. In this first assessment of PvMSP-3 beta variation between populations, we discovered widespread and significant diversity, mostly within the alanine-rich central region. We observed frequent differences in PvMSP-3 beta gene size, caused by the insertion and/or deletion of several large sequence blocks, as well as numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms and smaller scale insertions and deletions. Despite this high level of sequence diversity, certain physical properties of the encoded protein are maintained, particularly the ability to form coiled-coil tertiary structures, suggesting that although PvMSP-3 beta varies widely, it is under functional constraints. The implications for PvMSP-3 beta function and vaccine development are discussed.
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Corredor V, Meyer EVS, Lapp S, Corredor-Medina C, Huber CS, Evans AG, Barnwell JW, Galinski MR. A SICAvar switching event in Plasmodium knowlesi is associated with the DNA rearrangement of conserved 3′ non-coding sequences. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2004; 138:37-49. [PMID: 15500914 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2004.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2003] [Revised: 04/23/2004] [Accepted: 05/09/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium knowlesi variant antigens are expressed at the surface of infected erythrocytes and are encoded by the Schizont Infected Cell Agglutination variant antigen (SICAvar) multigene family. The 3' region of the SICAvar gene locus encoding the 205 kDa variant antigen expressed in the Pk1(B+)1+ parasites was found to be altered compared to the Pk1(A+) parental clone. Here we report that this alteration is the result of a DNA rearrangement and that the original and altered 205 SICAvar alleles appear to encode bona fide variant antigens. Importantly, 205A and 205B SICAvar RNA sequences are detectable in similar apparent quantities as determined by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) amplification experiments. However, expression of the 205 kDa SICA protein at the surface of the infected erythrocyte is not characteristic of the Pk1(A+) parasites and the 205 SICAvar transcript has not been detected in Pk1(A+) parasites by northern blot analysis. Furthermore, we report that many distinct SICAvar transcripts were detected in P. knowlesi Pk1(B+)1+ cDNA library hybridization screens. Of special interest, in light of these data, distinctive differences at the 3' end of the 205A and 205B alleles are observed, which may be of functional importance. An analysis of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of SICAvar genes in more than 100 sequences revealed a surprising common sequence pattern characterized by blocks of imperfect, GT-rich, heptad repeated motifs (Block I), followed by A and T rich homopolymers (Block II) and in a large number of genes, GC-rich segments (Block III). We show that this region undergoes extensive recombination and that the preferential stability of the 205 SICAvar transcript in Pk1(B+)1+ parasites may be associated with the presence of its specific Block III sequences. We speculate that the conserved yet polymorphic SICAvar 3'UTR sequences, and comparable regions in P. falciparum var genes, function in the stage-specific and developmentally regulated post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of variant antigen transcripts.
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Collins WE, Sullivan JS, Galland GG, Barnwell JW, Nace D, Williams A, Williams T, Bounngaseng A. Rio Meta strain of Plasmodium vivax in New World monkeys and anopheline mosquitoes. J Parasitol 2004; 90:685-8. [PMID: 15357053 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An archived strain of Plasmodium vivax, isolated from Rio Meta, northern Colombia, in 1972 was adapted to grow in splenectomized Aotus lemurinus griseimembra and A. nancymai monkeys. Anopheles freeborni, An. maculatus, An. dirus, An. culicifacies, and An. albimanus were shown to be susceptible to infection by feeding on infected monkeys. Infections were more readily obtained by feeding on A. L. griseimembra than on A. nancymai. Transmission through sporozoites was obtained in an A. l. griseimembra monkey after a prepatent period of 24 days.
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Collins WE, Sullivan JS, Nace D, Williams T, Williams A, Galland GG, Barnwell JW. Additional Observations on the Sporozoite Transmission of Plasmodium knowlesi to Monkeys. J Parasitol 2004; 90:866-7. [PMID: 15357085 DOI: 10.1645/ge-3348rn] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Saimiri boliviensis monkeys were infected by the intravenous injection of 50 sporozoites of the H strain of Plasmodium knowlesi dissected from the salivary glands of Anopheles dirus mosquitoes; prepatent periods were 11, 12, 13, 13, 13, and 16 days. Sporozoites of P. knowlesi stored frozen for 7 days, 53 days, 20 mo, 7 yr and 7 mo, and 11 yr and 5 mo induced infections in Macaca mulatta monkeys with prepatent periods of 7, 6, 8, 10, and 7 days, respectively. After frozen storage for 11 yr and 5 mo, infections were induced in S. boliviensis with prepatent periods of 10-13 days.
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Singer LM, Newman RD, Diarra A, Moran AC, Huber CS, Stennies G, Sirima SB, Konate A, Yameogo M, Sawadogo R, Barnwell JW, Parise ME. Evaluation of a malaria rapid diagnostic test for assessing the burden of malaria during pregnancy. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2004; 70:481-5. [PMID: 15155979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infection during pregnancy may cause placental malaria and subsequently low birth weight, primarily through the placental sequestration of infected red blood cells. Measuring the burden of malaria during pregnancy usually involves determining the prevalence of placental malaria infection through microscopic examination of placental blood films, a difficult and error-prone process. A number of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria have been developed, most of them immunochromatographic dipstick assays. However, none have been tested for the direct determination of malaria antigen in placental blood. We undertook an evaluation of the Malaria Rapid Test (MAKROmed in determining placental malaria infection. The prevalence of placental parasitemia was 22.6% by microscopy, 51.0% by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and 43.1% by RDT. When the PCR was used as the gold standard, RDTs had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 76%. The MAKROmed RDT was highly sensitive in the detection of placental malaria, but had lower than expected specificity.
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