Final report : August 5, 1991-April 4, 1996 -- synthetic peptide-based diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum infection in Haiti

Synthetic peptide-based immunoassays were developed from peptide sequences derived from a 70 kDa Plasomodium falciparum exoantigen; peptides were synthesized and then constructed as a copolymer (Spf70) for diagnostic purposes. Studies on the characterization of Spf70 resulted in a publication (Parasitol. Res., 79: 501-507, 1993) and a US Patent (No. 5,456,911 issued October 10, 1995) which covered the development of this technology. An advantage for international development is that this reagent can also be used to detect P. Vivax malaria. Peptide ELISAs for antibody and antigen detection were standardized in a microplate format, and a rapid latex agglutination test was optimized with SP70 peptides for the detection of anti-P. Falciparum antibodies. Antibody detection assays could serve as useful tools in the epidemiologic surveillance of malaria transmission in Haiti, facilitating and streamlining resources allocated for the malaria control program. Internal political strife in Haiti impeded the progress of the project at several points in its duration; longitudinal field studies could not be carried out as a result. Nonetheless, the project was successful in achieving its scientific goals, and technology was appropriately transferred as the Haitian counterparts and laboratory personnel at the Hospital Sainte Croix, Leogane, Haiti, were trained in methods and procedures developed herein. (Author abstract)