Molecular Characterization of Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium falciparum Associated with Imported Cases of Malaria in Southeastern Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Growing global international travel has reflected significantly on the number of imported cases malaria into non endemic regions world inclusive Saudi Arabia were transmission disease is controlled. This success in control could be challenged by influx disease. research looks at genetic diversity merozoite proteins 1 and 2 (msp msp 2) Plasmodium falciparum gene cases. Blood samples collected pathology department preserved as dried blood spot WhatmanTM 903TM Protein saver card. Extraction genomic DNA was with Qiagen QIAamp kit Using primary secondary nested PCR, species classified targeted primers. The nucleotides KI, MAD20, RO33 3D7, FC27 P. sequenced Macrogen (South Korea) analyzed BioEdit version 7 software. Frequencies distribution allelic families varied, statistically significant differences (p-value 0.001). Mono poly clonal infections also encountered. Clonal fragment sizes ranged between low (110 bp) to high (625 bp). Sequence analysis showed present study, indicating that current measures might not adequate maintain status quo. Key words: Malaria, Imported, falciparum, Merozoite proteins, 1, 2, Genetic, Diversity. 2,Genetic,