Spatial and genetic dynamics of Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein2 in sub-Saharan Africa

Background

Malaria rapid diagnosis tests (mRDTs) detecting Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 (Pfhrp2) are the most widely adopted diagnostic tool in malaria-endemic areas. However, extensive polymorphisms in Pfhrp2 could modify Pfhrp2 epitopes, rendering it undetectable by Pfhrp2-based mRDTs. This study investigates the spatial distribution and population dynamics of Pfhrp2 in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA).