Date of Award

6-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Science

First Advisor

Riad Bayoumi

Second Advisor

Dr. Mohamed AI-Wasila

Third Advisor

Dr. Abdul Gadir Shalabi

Abstract

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence staining based diagnosis of Malaria infection was attempted. 187 samples in two groups: 135 and 52 patients Attending the Malaria Clinic (preventive Medicine and Al-Ain Hospital, UAE) were Collected Two PCR systems; using small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssrRNA) based primers And merozoite surface antigen (MSP) based primers were assessed, taking the Giemsa Stain as the reference test.

The re sults of PCR using the merozoite surface antigen (MSP) primers specific for Pfalciparum, proved to be specific and accurate. These results were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (page) stained with

Ethidium bromide and /or silver nitrate, which increases, detect ion sensitivity. The accuracy of the PCR could be improved by nested p riming. For the ssrRNA PCR system, the primers were not found to be specific for the different malaria species since ribosomal genes have a high degree of homology between different species.

Fluorescent staining showed a great promise in detecting the different malaria species and Stages, but only acridness orange could be used routinely.

It was concluded that PCR testing proved to be of a great value in diagnosing Malaria when appropriate primers are available. It could be used successfully in detection Of malaria in epidemiological surveys. Fluor chrome staining could be further improved But could not replace Giemsa staining.

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