Plasmodium vivax MSP-3β Gene as a Genetic Marker for the Parasite Detection in Comparison with Ssrrna Gene

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.