Plasmodium vivax blood stage antigens, PVESP-1, antibodies and diagnostic assays

Abstract

This invention is directed to novel species-specific P. vivax malarial peptide antigens which are proteins or fragments of proteins secreted into the plasma of a susceptible mammalian host after infection, and to monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies directed against those antigens. The peptide antigens, monoclonal antibodies, and/or polyclonal antibodies are utilized in assays used to diagnose malaria, as well as to determine whether Plasmodium vivax is the species responsible for the infection.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
     
     
         22 . An isolated and purified nucleic acid hybridizable to the polynucleotide of SEQ. ID NO. 1 under stringent conditions.  
     
     
         23 . The isolated and purified nucleic acid of  claim 22 , wherein said stringent conditions are 1×SSC and 65° C.