Thesis

Molecular Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-rich Protein 2/3 Gene (pfhrp2/3) Deletion in Timika, Papua, Indonesia

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Malaria is a major health issue worldwide, with Papua being the epicenter of malaria in
Indonesia. To reduce malaria transmission, diagnostic methods have become a crucial pillar in malaria
control and elimination. Due to their simplicity, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are used to diagnose
malaria in areas lacking expert microscopists, specifically PfHRP2-based RDTs. However, the
emergence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion in recent years has threatened the sensitivity of PfHRP2-based
RDTs. The mutation can result in false-negative RDT readings, leading to misdiagnosis of P. falciparum
malaria. Despite that, very limited studies regarding this mutation have been conducted in Papua,
Indonesia. The study aims to determine the prevalence of pfhrp2/3 gene deletion in Timika, Papua,
Indonesia.
Methods: Molecular techniques, namely conventional PCR and real-time PCR, were utilized to detect
pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletion in 582 samples positive for P. falciparum mono-infection by
microscopy and PCR from Timika, Papua, Indonesia.
Results: The study recorded the prevalence of pfhrp2 single gene, pfhrp3 single gene, and double
gene deletion at 0.86%, 35.56%, and 1.89%, respectively. In addition, cases of cryptic absence were
found, where the RDT results were positive but showed no amplification of the pfhrp2 gene.
Conclusion: Although pfhrp2 gene deletion is present in Timika, its prevalence is insufficient to
consider a change in the region’s diagnostic routine. In contrast, the prevalence of pfhrp3 gene
deletion is higher than that of pfhrp2; thus, further research is required.

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Availability

Detail Information

Series Title

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Call Number

BM 24-004

Publisher

i3L, Jakarta : i3L, Jakarta., 2024

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

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Classification

NONE

Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

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Subject(s)

Malaria
Prevalence
PCR
Papua
Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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