Genetic complexity and transmissibility of Plasmodium falciparum parasites causing severe malaria in central-east coast India.

Heterogeneity in parasite virulence has been proposed to be one of the several factors that contribute to the wide spectrum of disease severity in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In the present study, we have attempted to determine the association of multiple genotype infection (MGI) and /or any specific genotype with the severity of P. falciparum malaria. Analysis of two highly polymorphic regions of the merozoite surface protein (MSP1 and MSP2) and three microsatellite loci (MS) have shown a strong association between multiple genotype infection (MGI) and severe P. falciparum malaria. Evidence for stratification of the parasite population in to differing virulence has been found .The evolution of such parasite virulence has been discussed in the light of kin and group selection model.