3D Assessment of Dhfr and Dhps Genes Obtained from Plasmodium Vivax in Anambara State, Nigeria

Isaac Okezie Godwin; Ifeoma Mercy Ekejindu; George Uchenna Eleje; Chukwuemeka Chukwubuikem Okoro; George Oche Ambrose

Abstract

3D Assessment of Dhfr and Dhps Genes Obtained from Plasmodium Vivax in Anambara State, Nigeria

Plasmodium vivax is the most widespread human malaria, putting 2.5 billion people at risk of infection. Its unique biological and epidemiological characteristics pose challenges to control strategies that have been principally targeted against Plasmodium falciparum. It occurs across the widest geographic area of the human malaria, extending well beyond the limits of P. falciparum into temperate climates. Outside of Africa, P. vivax is the dominant species, with relatively high prevalence of infection in the South Asian and Western Pacific regions. Plasmodium vivax resistance to antifolates is prevalent throughout Asian countries such as India, which is caused by point mutations within the parasite Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR)-thymidylate synthase. Hence, the need to understudy the 3D structure and pattern of mutations associated with both dhfr and dhps in Plasmodium vivax and their closest neighbors. A total number of 390 pregnant women were recruited, 336 of them were taking SP while 54 of the pregnant women were using other anti-malaria drugs for treatment of malaria. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique was used to characterize the specie of the isolated Plasmodium while Sanger sequencing method of molecular genotyping was adopted for the subjection of the Plasmodium to resistance studies using dhfr and dhps genes to identify possible mutations. The 3D structure of both dhfr and dhps was determined using Swiss Model. Quality assessment of the model indicated that the model is reliable. Understanding the 3D structures of dhfr and dhps will enhance the designs and development of more potent antimalarial.