This tool has now been adopted as an
integral part of anti-malarial efficacy studies and clinical trials. However, there are concerns over its utility and reliability because conclusions drawn from molecular typing depend on the genetic profile of the respective parasite populations, but this profile is not systematically documented in most endemic areas. This study presents the genetic diversity of P. falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp markers in selected sub-Saharan Africa countries 4-Hydroxytamoxifen chemical structure with varying levels of endemicity namely Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Sao Tome.
Methods: A total 780 baseline (Day 0) blood samples from children less than seven years, recruited in a randomized controlled clinical trials done between 1996 and 2000 were genotyped. DNA was extracted; allelic frequency and diversity were investigated by PCR followed by capillary electrophoresis for msp2 and fragment sizing by a digitalized gel imager for msp1 and glurp.
Results and Conclusion: Plasmodium falciparum msp1, msp2 and glurp markers were highly polymorphic with low allele frequencies. A total of 17 msp1 genotypes [eight MAD20-, one RO33- and eight K1-types]; 116 msp2 genotypes [83 3D7 and 33 FC27- types] and 14 glurp genotypes were recorded. All five sites recorded very high expected heterozygosity (H(E)) values
(0.68 – 0.99). H(E) was highest in msp2 locus (H(E) = 0.99), and lowest for msp1 (H(E) = 0.68) (P < 0.0001). The genetic diversity and allelic frequency recorded were independent find more of transmission intensity (P = 0.84, P = 0.25 respectively. A few genotypes had particularly high frequencies; however the most abundant showed only a 4% probability that a new infection would share the same genotype as the baseline infection. This is unlikely to confound the distinction of recrudescence from new infection, particularly if more than one marker is used for genotyping. Hence, this study supports the use of msp1, msp2 and glurp
in malaria clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa to discriminate new from recrudescent signaling pathway infections.”
“Background: Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) are an important complication of care in children hospitalized with complex congenital heart disease; however, little is known about risk factors for CA-BSI in these patients.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study in the 26-bed Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We identified all primary CA-BSIs in the CICU between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005. Controls were selected from rosters of CICU patients that were admitted during the same time period. Incidence density sampling was used to match cases and controls on time at risk. Data on demographic features and clinical characteristics were abstracted from the medical record.