Mutations in P. vivax could make millions susceptible

P.vivax infection in Duffy positive individuals, and resistance in Duffy negative individuals 

100 million cases of malaria a year are caused by the parasite Plasmodium vivax. Peter Zimmerman of Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and David Serre of Genomic Medicine Institute at Lerner have identified mutations in P. vivax that could cause susceptibility in tens of millions of Africans previously thought to be resistant. The mutations involve a mechanism that allows the parasite to infect red blood cells and an invasion that may allow for more complex invasion. Previously, it was believed that the Duffy binding protein on P. vivax attached to the Duffy receptor on the red blood cell and that those without the receptor (Duffy negative) were resistant. Yet, in the past decade there has been an increase in P. vivax infections in Duffy negative individuals. A study from 2010 found that 10% of those with clinical malaria were infected by P. vivax and were Duffy negative. 2.5 billion people are estimated to be at risk. The malaria is deemed benign but is chronic, hiding in the liver and causing reoccurring nausea, headaches, and fever that can leave the infected unable to work. Further, it contributes to death by deteriorating the immune system. Of 189 samples for Madagascar, half possess duplicate Duffy binding protein. Less than 10% of the samples from Sudan and Cambodia possessed the mutation. The recent mutation may be spreading though travelers in Madagascar.  The fear is that the mutation will allow P. vivax to travel into Africa.

Field study will begin in 2014 to determine if it is evolving and to learn the mutation’s functions.  Serre, Zimmerman and their team will study the blood samples of 1,500 individuals from Madagascar. Research will also be done on samples from Africa, South America, and Asia. The goal is to create a vaccine, possibly focusing on the binding mechanisms of P. vivax.

I found this article to be very interesting and of much significance. As stated in the secondary article, malaria is one of the “big three diseases” and three million are newly infected with P. vivax specifically annually. The risk of the spread of P. vivax to the rest of Africa could be detrimental. Thus, the study is crucial to the well being of Africa. I find it fascinating that the researchers are using the problem to find a solution, by looking at the mechanism of infection as a target. I find the power of science to consistently use a problem as a solution incredible! I am curious to see the results of the study that will be carried out in 2014 and hope a solution can be found.

Primary Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131115094906.htm

Secondary Post: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100315162043.htm