Development of diagnostic gene chip in detection of plasmodium

  Objective   To establish the technique of diagnosis gene chip for detection of Plasmodium vivax (P.v.), Plasmodium falciparum (P.f.) and mixed infections with P.v. and P.f.

  Methods   According to the conservative and specific sequence of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSrRNA) fragment of plasmodium, probes were designed and synthesized to be spotted on the microarray. After being extracted from sample, the plasmodium nucleotides were amplified and labeled with fluorescence Cy3-dU TP by dissymmetrical PCR, then hybridized with the diagnosis gene chips. Finally, the gene chips were scanned and analyzed.

  Results   The diagnosis gene chips can detect P.v., P.f. and mixed infections with an adequate sensitivity and specificity.

  Conclusion   Diagnostic gene chips for plasmodium were established successfully and it will be a valuable tool for malaria diagnosis and prevention.