# Immunogenicity of PvVir14-derived peptides to improve the serological diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax infection

## TL;DR

Researchers tested peptides from PvVir14 to improve the diagnosis of Plasmodium vivax malaria, finding some peptides more effective in detecting infections.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific PvVir14-derived peptides with high diagnostic potential for P. vivax malaria.

## Key findings

- Peptides H08, G08, and L06 showed higher IgG reactivity in sera from endemic area individuals.
- L06 was the most effective peptide for identifying infected individuals based on sensitivity and specificity.
- Depletion ELISA confirmed the immunodominance of L06, G08, and H08.

## Abstract

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax, remains a major global health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to investigate the potential of PvVir14-derived peptides to improve diagnostic accuracy for P. vivax infections.

The reactivity of specific PvVir14-derived peptides against sera from acutely infected individuals from endemic and non-endemic areas experiencing a P. vivax malaria outbreak was assessed, as well as their sensitivity, specificity, and immunodominance.

Among the eight tested peptides (H08, K09, I03, G08, F08, H04, L06, and N04), H08, G08, and L06 showed significantly higher IgG reactivity in sera from individuals living in endemic areas, mainly within those with multiple malaria episodes. After a P. vivax outbreak in a non-endemic area, H08 and G08 had the highest IgM frequencies, however, sensitivity and specificity analyses indicated that L06 was the most effective peptide for identifying infected individuals. Depletion ELISA confirmed the immunodominance of L06, G08, and H08 and showed a significant reduction in IgG reactivity to PvVir14. The peptides L06, G08, and H08, showed high sensitivity and specificity as diagnostic tools for P. vivax malaria.

These peptides can improve diagnostic accuracy, especially in endemic areas, providing better support to malaria control and management programs.