Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 1 and 2 Genes and Their Allele Association With Malaria Severity, Seasons, and Sex in Bamenda, North West Cameroon

Although the number of yearly occurrences of malaria has significantly decreased in recent years, malaria remains one of the major public health issues in Cameroon. A deeper understanding of how the various alleles of the malaria parasite’s genes move in the field between the two sexes and between seasons, as well as knowledge of malaria parasite genetic diversity in different malaria‐endemic locations, would be necessary for the development of a successful malaria elimination strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of the Msp1 and Msp2 genes of Plasmodium falciparum in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon, identify the alleles of the Msp1 and Msp2 genes that are associated with severe malaria, and determine how the alleles of the Msp1 and Msp2 genes are distributed between sexes and seasons. Blood samples were collected on Whatman’s filter paper from those who had malaria caused by P. falciparum as determined by microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests. DNA from P. falciparum was isolated using the Chelex technique. Using nested PCR, the Msp1 Block 2 and Msp2 Block 3 genes were genotyped. The Msp1 Block 2 gene was genotyped in a total of 281 samples. For Msp1 Block 2 genes, all the family‐specific alleles were present (RO33, K1, and MAD20). At 44.7% frequency, RO33 was the most prevalent allele, while K1 was linked to severe malaria. The Msp2 Block 3 gene was genotyped in a total of 194 samples. For Msp2 Block 3 genes, all of the family‐specific alleles were present (3D7 and FC27). With 56.7%, 3D7 was the most prevalent. There was an association between the Msp2 Block 3 gene alleles and sex (χ 2 = 8.856, p = 0.012). No Msp1 Block 2 or Msp2 Block 3 allele was more prevalent in any specific season. These results would be useful in assessing the efficacy of malaria prevention measures implemented in Bamenda as well as in selecting and designing malaria prevention measures that are suitable for implementation in Bamenda, North West Region of Cameroon.