Abstract:

Objective  To identity Plasmodium ovale infection by 18S rRNA gene nested PCR.  Methods  Whole blood and filter paper blood samples of malaria patients in Shandong Province were collected during 2012-2013. The parasites were observed under a microscope with Giemsa staining. The genome DNA of blood samples were extracted as PCR templates. Genus- and species-specific primers were designed according to the Plasmodium 18S rRNA gene sequences. Plasmodium ovale-positive specimens were identified by nested PCR as well as verified by sequencing.  Results  There were 7 imported cases of P. ovale infection in the province during 2012-2013. Nested PCR results showed that the P. ovale specific band （800 bp） was amplified in all the 7 specimens. Blast results indicated that the PCR products were consistent with the Plasmodium ovale reference sequence in GenBank.  Conclusion  Seven imported cases of ovale malaria in Shandong Province in 2012-2013 are confirmed by nested PCR.

Key words: Plasmodium ovale, Small subunit ribosome RNA, Nested PCR, Imported malaria