Thesis

Identification of Red Blood Cell Disorders in Malaria-Endemic and Non-Endemic Regions in Borneo

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Malaria remains a significant public health challenge despite advancements in treatment and
prevention. The interaction between the malaria parasite and human red blood cells (RBCs) leads to
the evolution of RBC disorders that offer protection against malaria. This study aimed to determine
the prevalence of RBC disorders from archived DNA samples collected from malaria-endemic and
non-endemic regions of Borneo using molecular genotyping to detect Southeast Asian ovalocytosis,
HbE, and α-thalassemia. Statistical analysis revealed that malaria is significantly more prevalent in
Central Borneo than in North Borneo (6.36% vs. 1.02%, p < 0.05). SAO and HbE were found to be
significantly higher in the malaria-endemic area with 4.59% vs. 1.71%, (p < 0.05) and 19.79% vs.
10.24%, (p < 0.001), respectively. The study also examined the association between RBC disorders
and malaria prevalence. Individuals with SAO have a 1.58 times higher chance of malaria infection
(OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.201 - 12.485), whereas those with HbE have a 0.58 times lower chance (OR =
0.58, 95% CI = 0.133 - 2.545); however, these findings were not statistically significant due to wide
confidence intervals. Difficulties in detecting α-thalassemia mutations underscored the need for
optimized PCR methodologies and high-fidelity PCR kits. These results support the theory that
malaria induces positive selective pressure on RBC disorders.

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Availability

Detail Information

Series Title

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Call Number

BM 24-025

Publisher

i3L, Jakarta : i3L Press., 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
genotyping
red blood cell disorders
α-thalassemia
HbE variant
SAO

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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Other version/related

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