Genetic variability in platelet integrin α2ß1 density: possible contributor to Plasmodium vivax-induced severe thrombocytopenia.

ABSTRACT

Understanding the pathogenesis of Plasmodium vivax malaria is challenging. We hypothesized that susceptibility to P. vivax-induced thrombocytopenia could be associated with polymorphisms on relevant platelet membrane integrins integrin α2 (C807T), and integrin ß3 (T1565C). Although ß3 polymorphism was not related with P. vivax malaria, α2 807T carriers, which show high levels of integrin α2ß1, had a higher probability for severe thrombocytopenia than wild-type carriers. This evidence of the association of integrin polymorphism and P. vivax morbidity was further demonstrated by a moderate but significant correlation between clinical disease and surface levels of the integrin α2ß1.