Genetic polymorphism of merozoite surface protein 1 and merozoite surface protein 2 in the Vietnam Plasmodium falciparum population

Abstract Background Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface proteins 1 (PfMSP1) and 2 (PfMSP2) are potential candidates for malaria vaccine development. However, the genetic diversity of these genes in the global P. falciparum population presents a significant challenge in developing an effective vaccine. Hence, understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary trends in the global P. falciparum population is crucial. Methods This study analyzed the genetic variations and evolutionary changes of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 in P. falciparum isolates from the Central Highland and South-Central regions of Vietnam. DNASTAR and MEGA7 programs were utilized for analyses. The polymorphic nature of global pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 was also investigated. Results A total of 337 sequences of pfmsp1 and 289 sequences of pfmsp2 were obtained. The pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 from Vietnam revealed a higher degree of genetic homogeneity compared to those from other malaria-endemic countries. Remarkably, the allele diversity patterns of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 differed significantly from those of neighboring countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Declines in allele diversity and polymorphic patterns of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 were observed. Conclusions The Vietnam P. falciparum population might be genetically isolated from the parasite populations in other neighboring GMS countries, likely due to geographical barriers and distinct evolutionary pressures. Furthermore, bottleneck effects or selective sweeps may have contributed to the genetic homogeneity of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2.