Creating a reserve bank of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax isolates collected from malaria patients for use in studies on the genetic and biological features

Considering the ongoing national malaria elimination program in Iran, establishing a bank of human Plasmodium genes and proteins can be very useful for research purposes. This study was conducted to collect some of the native isolates of human Plasmodia from endemic areas in the country. A 2ml vein-punctured blood sample was prepared from each confirmed malaria case. The samples were dispensed in EDTA pre-dosed tubes and cryopreserved for further tests. Moreover, relevant Geimsa-stained thick and thin blood smears were kept in a safe place. Tests for genetic indicators of MSP-1 was performed for each of the P. vivax samples with the RFLP-PCR techniques. In addition, an in vivo drug sensitivity test was performed for each P. falciparum case. Collecting and cryopreserving samples will continue. A total of 131 samples, including 109, 19 and 3 P. vivax, P. falciparum and mixed samples, respectively, were preserved with relevant data such as species, parasitaemia and nationality of the donor. MSP-1 gene classification resulted in three different haplotypes including Hap.1, Hap.2 and Hap.3 with frequencies of 20.6%, 41.2% and 38.2%, respectively. The In vivo drug sensitivity tests on P. facilparum isolates showed that all of the isolates were sensitive to the current drug of choice, namely, a combination of artesunate and fansidar. This study resulted in the preservation of considerable amounts of P. vivax and P. falciparum samples for further relevant studies and research purposes.