The association of genetic markers and malaria infection in the Brazilian Western Amazonian region

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 2003 Jun;98(4):455-60. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02762003000400004. Epub 2003 Aug 18.

Abstract

Almost all individuals (182) belonging to an Amazonian riverine population (Portuchuelo, RO, Brazil) were investigated for ascertaining data on epidemiological aspects of malaria. Thirteen genetic blood polymorphisms were investigated (ABO, MNSs, Rh, Kell, and Duffy systems, haptoglobins, hemoglobins, and the enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glyoxalase, phosphoglucomutase, carbonic anhydrase, red cell acid phosphatase, and esterase D). The results indicated that the Duffy system is associated with susceptibility to malaria, as observed in other endemic areas. Moreover, suggestions also arose indicating that the EsD and Rh loci may be significantly associated with resistance to malaria. If statistical type II errors and sample stratification could be ruled out, hypotheses on the existence of a causal mechanism or an unknown closely linked locus involved in susceptibility to malaria infection may explain the present findings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Brazil
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genetics, Population
  • Haptoglobins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Falciparum / blood
  • Malaria, Falciparum / genetics*
  • Malaria, Vivax / blood
  • Malaria, Vivax / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype*
  • Plasmodium falciparum / pathogenicity*
  • Plasmodium vivax / pathogenicity*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Haptoglobins