Transmission of Plasmodium vivax in Duffy-negative individuals in central Sudan

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2016 Apr;110(4):258-60. doi: 10.1093/trstmh/trw014.

Abstract

Background: Due to the recently observed rise in Plasmodium vivax incidence in Sudan and reported transmission in Duffy-negative individuals; we aimed to assess the possibility of P. vivax transmission in Duffy-negative individuals in Gezira state, central Sudan.

Method: A total of 126 suspected malaria patients were diagnosed with P. vivax infection using microscopy, RDT and PCR. PCR-RFLP was used to genotype participants Duffy status.

Results: Forty eight (38%) were positive for P. vivax infection by PCR. Four patients (8.3%) were homozygous Duffy-negative.

Conclusion: These results confirm that P. vivax can infect Duffy-negative individuals, suggesting alternative mechanisms to bind and invade erythrocytes.

Keywords: Duffy antigen receptor; Gezira; Malaria; PCR; Plasmodium vivax; Sudan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Duffy Blood-Group System / genetics*
  • Erythrocytes / parasitology*
  • Female
  • Homozygote*
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Vivax / blood
  • Malaria, Vivax / epidemiology
  • Malaria, Vivax / parasitology*
  • Malaria, Vivax / transmission
  • Male
  • Plasmodium vivax / growth & development*
  • Prevalence
  • Sudan
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Duffy Blood-Group System