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Updated: May 17, 2026
A Multi-detection Assay for Malaria Transmitting Mosquitoes
Published on: February 28, 2015
Plasmodium vivax MSP-3β Gene as a Genetic Marker for the Parasite Detection in Comparison with Ssrrna Gene
A Shahbazi1, H Mirhendi, A Raeisi
1Dept. of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Research Center of Infectious Diseases And Tropical Diseases, Iran.
Background:
The importance of accurate diagnosis of all of major diseases cannot be underestimated and efficient laboratory testing is vital to identifying and treating life-threatening illnesses including malaria. In this study, we compared the potential of one of merozoite surface protein genes, PvMSP-3β, for detection of Plasmodium vivax in blood samples by PCR with routinely used marker, ssrRNA gene.
Methods:
One hundred P. vivax microscopy-positive blood samples were simultaneously tested with two genetic markers, including PvMSP-3β gene and ssrRNA gene by PCR and nestedPCR method, respectively, and their sensitivity and specificity in detection of P. vivax was compared.
Results:
An important difference was seen in sensitivity between the 2 genetic markers, 100% in case of ssrRNA gene vs. 95% of PvMSP-3β gene. The specificity of the two markers was same (100%). Microscopic diagnoses of thick and thin blood smears was used as "golden standard" method.
Conclusion:
Due to critical importance of accurate detection of the parasite in malarious area, the PvMSP-3β gene cannot be a suitable marker for detection of P. vivax in blood sample by PCR. More investigations are needed to find other valid markers.
