Natural infections with different Plasmodium species induce antibodies reactive to a chimeric Plasmodium vivax recombinant protein

Abstract Background As malaria incidence and transmission in a region decreases, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify areas of active transmission. Improved methods for identifying monitoring foci are needed low parasite prevalence order achieve elimination. Serological assays can provide population-level infection history inform elimination campaigns. Methods A bead-based multiplex antibody detection assay was used evaluate chimeric Plasmodium vivax MSP1 protein (PvRMC-MSP1), designed be broadly immunogenic use vaccine studies, act as pan-malaria serological tool based on its ability capture IgG plasma samples obtained from naturally exposed individuals. Samples 236 US travellers with PCR confirmed status all four major species infecting humans, falciparum (n = 181) , 38), malariae 4), ovale 13) were tested using PvRMC-MSP1 well the recombinant MSP1-19 kD isoforms representative these species. Results Regardless species, large proportion infected provided high signal protein, 115 responders out assessed (48.7%). When grouped by infection, 38.7% P. falciparum- 92.1% vivax- 75.0% malariae- 53.4% ovale- individuals displayed signals response PvRMC-MSP1. It also determined that -infected produced increased chimera compared PvMSP1 89.5% (34 38) showed improved antibodies when PvMSP1, observed just 1.1% who protein. Conclusions These results support further study antigens an approach increasing sensitivity or broadening binding capacity improve existing tools determining exposure Including both broad-reacting species-specific antigen-coated beads panel could nuanced view histories, extensive profile, detailed seroestimates. more sensitive would aid campaigns co-endemic regions where is dominant parasite.