Recombinant DNA clone containing a genomic fragment of PfHRP-II gene from Plasmodium falciparum
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
InventorsThomas E. Wellems, Russell J. Howard
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Abstract
The present invention resides, in part, in cloned DNA fragments encoding a histidine-rich protein of Plasmodium falciparum (PfHRP-II). PfHRP-II is a malarial antigen that is secreted by the parasite into erythrocytes. The protein is characterized by tandem repeats of high histidine, alanine and aspartate content. The protein is found to have high affinity for divalent cations. Cloning and characterization of the PfHRP-II gene are described, as are antibodies against PfHRP-II.
Claims10
A kit for detecting malarial infection comprising separate containers containing either PfHRP-II antigen or antibodies having specificity against PfHRP-II antigen in preservative medium.
An antibody which specifically binds with an antigen of plasmodium having the following amino acid sequence ##STR1##
A kit for the diagnosis of malaria comprising:
- an antigen having the sequence ##STR3## packaged in a container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.