Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health
ISSN: 3065-9078 | DOI: 10.64030/3065-9078
Momoh, A. O. , Oluwafemi, R. O, Bada, A. A., Abiodun A.T. and Azeez, P. O
Malaria is a major health issue in Nigeria, particularly affecting children under 12 years old. The disease is mainly caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which has a lot of genetic diversity, especially in the genes that code for surface proteins like MSP1 and MSP2. These proteins are important for the parasite’s ability to invade red blood cells and are key targets for the immune system. Recent research has shown the high genetic diversity of P. falciparum in different parts of Nigeria. For example, a study in Ibadan found significant variations in the MSP1 and MSP2 genes, suggesting that multiple parasite clones exist within individual hosts. Similarly, a study in Minna, North-Central Nigeria, highlighted the extensive diversity and multiplicity of infections in P. falciparum isolates, illustrating the complex nature of parasite populations in that area.